The FIFA International “A” Friendlies Tri-Nations Series is an important preparation event for the Digicel Fiji Bula Boys as they gear up for the World Cup qualifiers in October. Head coach Rob Sherman emphasizes that while winning remains the priority, he also wants to see the team effectively implement the skills they have honed during practice.
The squad has been training together for the past two weeks, with most players having previously played alongside each other during the OFC Men’s Nations Cup earlier this year and the 2023 Pacific Games. The 26-member roster features some new additions, including Australian-based goalkeeper Jerome Narayan and Nadi’s Rahul Krishna.
“We aim to perform well and win both matches, that’s our objective. More importantly, we want to execute our game plan effectively and continue our development ahead of the World Cup qualifiers,” Sherman remarked.
This series provides a valuable chance for players to experience what lies ahead, with mental preparation highlighted as a crucial aspect. Sherman is focused on assessing his players’ readiness and identifying potential talents for the qualifiers.
“Having two matches against different opponents is critical for solidifying our strategies and preparing the players mentally for the impending October qualifier,” he noted.
Fiji is set to face the Solomon Islands in their first match tomorrow at 7 PM at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Both teams are grouped in Pool A for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier.