Digicel Fiji Bula Boys head coach Rob Sherman has introduced three new players to his expanded squad as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers.
The newcomers are Leroy Jennings, a midfielder from Sydney United FC, Gabrieli Matanisiga, a defender from Wellington Olympic AFC, and Kavaia Rawaqa, a defender from Suva FC.
These players are part of a 27-member squad ahead of the qualifiers, which will commence on October 10 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Team manager Kartik Reddy expressed that their inclusion is intended to bolster the team’s strength as they pursue a successful campaign in the qualifiers.
“We aim to claim the 1.5 spots available to OFC for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Reddy stated.
The squad will begin training on September 29 at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba, with the final 23-member squad set to be announced on October 5.
Remeuru Takiata and Muni Shivam Naidu will not participate in the squad due to work commitments.
Reddy also confirmed that team captain Roy Krishna will join the squad on October 5 following his club obligations.
Fiji is placed in Group A for the qualifiers, alongside the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. The Bula Boys will launch their campaign against the Solomon Islands on October 10 in Suva at 7 pm. They will also compete against Papua New Guinea on November 14 and New Caledonia on November 17 at the PNG Football Stadium.