Digicel Fiji Bula Boys head coach Rob Sherman has welcomed three new players to his extended squad as preparations ramp up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers. The recently added players 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 are set to commence on October 10 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Team manager Kartik Reddy stated that the inclusion of these new players is intended to bolster the squad as they strive for a robust performance in the qualifiers.
“Our goal is to secure one of the 1.5 spots available to OFC for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Reddy expressed. The squad will begin camp on September 29 at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba, and the final 23-member roster will be announced on October 5.
Remeuru Takiata and Muni Shivam Naidu will not join the squad due to work commitments. Additionally, team captain Roy Krishna will rejoin the squad on October 5 following his club obligations.
Fiji has been drawn in Group A of the qualifiers, competing against the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. The Bula Boys will kick off their campaign against the Solomon Islands on October 10 in Suva at 7 pm. Subsequently, they will face Papua New Guinea on November 14 and New Caledonia on November 17, with both matches taking place at the PNG Football Stadium.