The team is now concentrating on the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for next month, according to Digicel Bula Boys captain Roy Krishna. Following a performance dip, highlighted by a 1-1 draw against Hong Kong-China in the final match of the Tri-Nations Friendlies series on Sunday, Krishna acknowledged that there is still work to be accomplished before the main qualifiers.
Krishna expressed pride in how the team fared against Hong Kong and stressed the significance of the upcoming World Cup Qualification matches. He is optimistic that the players will remain fit, injury-free, and return stronger for the qualifiers.
Regarding his own plans, Krishna mentioned his long journey back to India before the new season begins. “For the team, our next big one is the World Cup Qualification next month,” he stated. “We really need to start working from now; that’s the more important one. So, hopefully, these boys will be fit, injury-free, and come back stronger.”
Head coach Rob Sherman also shared his positive outlook, believing the team is well-positioned to build on the experiences gained from the friendlies. They are eager to face the Solomon Islands in their first pool match in October.
The World Cup Qualifiers will feature Group A matches held at HFC Bank in Suva on October 10, including exciting showdowns between the Solomon Islands and Fiji, as well as New Caledonia against Papua New Guinea. Group B matches in Port Vila will see New Zealand against Tahiti on October 11 and Vanuatu take on the winner of Round One on October 12.