The Fiji Junior Bula Boys, a mix of seasoned players and internationally exposed talent, are ready to kick off their campaign at the OFC U19 Men’s Championship in Samoa. The team’s Head Coach, Marika Rondu, expressed confidence in their preparation and squad composition ahead of their departure.
Rondu mentioned his satisfaction with the team’s readiness, acknowledging a challenging preparation process but ultimately content with the assembled 23-player squad. The team, according to him, is eager for the upcoming matches.
Boasting a solid foundation of experienced players, the team sees nine members graduating from last year’s U17 squad to this year’s U19 team. Five of the players are based overseas, and several have participated in the Digicel Fiji Premier League (DFPL) and other competitions.
Rondu shared his belief in the team’s commitment to their training and readiness to face any challenges. The Fiji U19 team finds themselves in Group A, along with Tahiti, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu for the championship.
The event promises to be competitive, with Group B comprising New Zealand, New Caledonia, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea. The team is scheduled to leave for Samoa the next day, carrying aspirations of earning a place in next year’s World Cup. Their first game is against Tahiti, set for 1pm on July 5.