Fiji’s head football coach Rob Sherman has emphasized the urgent need for professional footballers eligible to play for Fiji to secure their passports ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers semi-final in March. This is especially vital as captain and star striker Roy Krishna will be sidelined due to an ACL injury.
As Fiji prepares to challenge the formidable New Zealand team in Wellington on March 21, Sherman acknowledged the challenges they face in accessing talented players currently playing abroad, including those at clubs like Leeds United, Vancouver, Toronto, and Auckland FC. Under FIFA regulations, these players are eligible to represent Fiji, which could significantly enhance the team’s dynamics if they can obtain their passports in time.
Despite the setback of losing Krishna, who has scored 44 goals in over 50 international matches, Sherman remains optimistic about the other strikers stepping up to fill the void. Players such as Sairusi Nalaubu, Setareki Hughes, and Thomas Dunn are among those expected to rise to the occasion.
In terms of strategy, Sherman plans to maintain their current processes and tactical approaches while focusing on improving defensive recovery and set-play defense. His belief in the squad’s scoring potential is unwavering, as he stated that the available goal scorers will be well-equipped to take advantage of scoring opportunities.
This situation highlights the depth of talent within the Fijian squad, and there’s a sense of hope and unity as they prepare to confront their opponents. With determination and teamwork, Fiji will aim to overcome their challenges and achieve success in the upcoming matches.
Overall, while facing significant hurdles, Sherman’s confidence and strategic foresight provide a positive outlook for the Fijian football team as they strive for qualification in the World Cup.
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