The OFC U19 Men’s Championship is about to witness the prowess of the Fiji Junior Bula Boys. Armed with a balanced mix of experienced and internationally exposed players, the team is all set to commence their journey in Samoa.
Marika Rondu, the team’s head coach, has expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations and lineup before they set off on their journey. He said in an interview with FijiLive, “We are in a good place entering the championship. Although the process has been demanding, we have now finalized our 23-member squad who are eagerly awaiting the games.”
Last year’s U17 squad contributes nine players to this year’s experienced U19 team. Moreover, five of the squad members are based overseas and several have actively participated in the Digicel Fiji Premier League (DFPL) among other contests.
“I am confident that these boys support and encourage one another during training and are ready to face the challenge,” Rondu added.
The Fiji team is placed in Group A for the championship, along with Tahiti, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Group B comprises New Zealand, New Caledonia, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea, indicating an intense level of competition.
With their departure for Samoa programmed for tomorrow, the Fiji U19 team holds high optimism for securing a position in next year’s World Cup. The team is scheduled to play its first game against Tahiti on July 5 at 1 pm.