Three players from the victorious Extra Supermarket Labasa football men’s team at the FMF Inter District Championship 2024 have earned spots in the Fiji men’s football squad. The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) unveiled a 29-member extended squad in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Among those named are Labasa’s Golden Glove winner Simione Tamanisau, experienced striker Christopher Wasasala, and defender Sekove Naivakananumi. Labasa coach Ravneel Pratap expressed pride in the players’ selection, attributing it to their impressive performances throughout the tournament.
Pratap highlighted Wasasala’s potential to enhance the team’s attack, noting his ability to form strong combinations with other strikers. He commended the Fiji FA for recognizing the players’ progress, which led to their inclusion in the national team.
“My players have the capability to perform at a high level of football,” Pratap remarked. He encouraged other Labasa players who were not selected to work diligently towards representing their nation.
Additionally, he urged the three players to elevate their performance as they would now compete on a regional scale. “We want our players to be part of history if we achieve World Cup qualification,” he stated.
The national squad, coached by Rob Sherman, has already begun their World Cup qualifying campaign with a promising 1-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in the initial round. Former Labasa FA president Paul Jaduram praised the Fiji FA’s decision to include these players, affirming they deserved the opportunity following their outstanding displays in the IDC.
The selection for the Fiji squad includes: Joela Biuvanua, Simione Tamanisau, Jerome Narayan, Akuila Mateisuva, Filipe Baravilala, Sekove Naivakananumi, Samuela Kautoga, Scott Wara, Sterling Vasconcellos, Atonio Tuivuna, Gabirieli Matanisiga, Josh Laqeretabua, Ivan Kumar, Kavaia Rawaqa, Setareki Hughes, Merill Nand, Rahul Krishna, Sitiveni Cavuilagi, Mohammed Raheem, Tevita Warainivalu, Dave Radrigai, Leroy Jennings, Aporosa Yada, Nabil Begg, Thomas Dunn, Roy Krishna, Sairusi Nalaubu, Etonia Dogalau, Christopher Wasasala.
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