OFC mourns rising Fiji talent
Shalit became involved in football at school and rose quickly to prominence whereupon he was selected for international recognition by the Fiji FA.
He made his international debut for Fiji U-17 at the OFC U-17 Championship in Apia, Samoa, against New Caledonia on Saturday 17 January. Just two days later Shalit scored in a 5-0 win over Cook Islands. Today, while on a team excursion, Shalit went missing while swimming before his body was discovered a short time later. OFC President David Chung described the loss as a tragedy that would be felt throughout Oceania.
"A tragic event has happened in Samoa - a young boy playing for the Fiji U-17 team, Shalit Muni Reddy, lost his life in a swimming accident.
"The Fiji U-17 squad was on a team excursion when Shalit went missing. His body was discovered following a search and attempts to revive him were sadly in vain.
"Shalit had been playing for Fiji U-17 with distinction, he was a prospect that undoubtedly would have had a bright future in the game.
"No words can fully express our grief and dismay at seeing this happen, we can only pass on all our thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Shalit Muni Reddy and hope they will get some strength from the out pouring of love and support from everyone."
"Everyone at the OFC is in total shock at what has happened, and we are sure the Oceania football community will join with us in also thinking of the Fiji FA, Football Federation Samoa and all the players, coaches and the family who are affected by this sad event," Chung said.
The case has been referred to the Samoan Police while in the meantime the OFC in co-operation with the Fiji FA and Football Federation Samoa, will do all in its power to repatriate Shalit Muni Reddy to his family and friends in Fiji.
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