Digicel Fiji Bula Boys head coach Rob Sherman has welcomed three new players into his expanded squad in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers.
The latest additions feature Leroy Jennings, a midfielder from Sydney United FC, defender Gabrieli Matanisiga from Wellington Olympic AFC, and Suva FC defender Kavaia Rawaqa.
These players are part of the 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 emphasized that their inclusion is aimed at strengthening the squad as they prepare for a robust campaign during the qualifiers.
“Our goal is to secure the 1.5 spots available to OFC for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Reddy stated.
The team will enter training camp on September 29 at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba, with the final 23-member squad to be announced on October 5.
Remeuru Takiata and Muni Shivam Naidu have been dropped from the squad due to work commitments.
Reddy also confirmed that team captain Roy Krishna will join the squad on October 5 once his club obligations are fulfilled.
Fiji will be in Group A for 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. Their subsequent matches will be against Papua New Guinea on November 14 and New Caledonia on November 17, both scheduled to take place at the PNG Football Stadium.