The team is now turning its attention to the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for next month, according to Digicel Bula Boys captain Roy Krishna.
Despite a performance dip evident in their recent 1-1 draw against Hong Kong-China during the Tri-Nations Friendlies finale, Krishna emphasized the need to enhance their preparations before the crucial qualifiers. He expressed pride in how the team played against Hong Kong and highlighted the significance of the upcoming World Cup Qualification matches.
Krishna is optimistic that the players will remain fit, avoid injuries, and return even stronger for the qualifiers. He also mentioned his own lengthy journey back to India before rejoining for the new season.
“Our next big focus is the World Cup Qualification next month,” stated Krishna. “We really need to start working from now, as that is the more important one. Hopefully, the boys will be fit, injury-free, and come back stronger.”
Head coach Rob Sherman shared a similar sentiment, expressing confidence that the team is in a good position to build on the experience gained from the friendly matches. They are looking ahead to their first pool match against the Solomon Islands in October.
The World Cup Qualifiers will commence with Group A fixtures at HFC Bank in Suva on October 10. This will include exciting matchups between Solomon Islands and Fiji, and New Caledonia versus Papua New Guinea. Meanwhile, Group B matches will take place in Port Vila, featuring New Zealand against Tahiti on October 11 and Vanuatu facing the Round One winner on October 12.