SUVA, (FIJI TIMES) – Fiji Football Association has selected a 23-member squad for the Pacific Nations Cup.
The team is camping in Ba and is expected to depart the country on May 26.
Fiji Football Association vice-president and national team director Tarunesh Reddy said there was a need that the team was a blend of U23 players for the Rio Olympics because they hoped to expose the players into more competitions as possible.
“The team is preparing well. We will not be taking any teams lightly in the competition because our aim is to be able to make the Confederations Cup competition which is the next stage to qualifying for the World Cup,” he said.
The tournament will be held from May 28-June 11 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and Fiji will face New Zealand in their first match on May 28.
“We will select our captain next week. At the moment we are trying to ensure that the team blend well together as there are 12 U23 Rio Olympics players included in the squad,” he said.
The winner of the tournament will qualify for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.
Squad: Simione Tamanisau, Avinesh Suwamy, Kolinio Sivoki, Jale Dreloa, Rusiate Matarerega, Samuela Nabenia, Nickel Chand, Setareki Hughes, Iosefo Verevou, Tevita Waranaivalu, Alvin Singh, Samuela Kautoga, Pita Bolaitoga, Laisenia Raura, Malakai Tiwa, Ilisoni Logaivou, Amani Makoe, Taione Kerevanua, Ilimotama Jese, Roy Krishna, Beniaminio Mateinaqara, Shaneel Naidu.
