Fiji U16 eye back-to-back FIFA U17 World Cup berths as they gear up for OFC U16 Championship in the Solomon Islands
The Fiji Football Association’s under-16 squad is in the final stages of preparation for the OFC U16 Championship in the Solomon Islands, with hopes of securing back-to-back FIFA U17 World Cup qualifications. Head coach Sunil Kumar says the team has been in camp for almost nine weeks and that preparations have been proceeding on schedule.
“Preparations have been good. Some players began their journey with us last year, while others joined this year,” Kumar said.
The squad includes four players from last year’s Tahiti campaign, along with three overseas-based talents—two from New Zealand and one from Australia. Kumar added that these players come through Fiji FA’s development programme and bring valuable experience to the side.
“One of the biggest challenges for the boys will be to qualify for the World Cup again. But the commitment in camp has been excellent, and the team is shaping up well,” he said.
Kumar also welcomed the addition of former Ba FC coach Roneel Kumar to the coaching staff, noting that his experience will be a big boost for the team.
“It’s great to have Roneel on board. His experience will be a big boost for the team,” Kumar stated.
The Future Bula Boys will be officially farewelled in Ba today before departing for the Solomon Islands.
Context and outlook:
– The OFC U16 Championship serves as the official qualifier for the FIFA U17 World Cup, a pathway Fiji has pursued vigorously in recent years.
– Overseas-based players have become a consistent feature of Fiji’s youth teams, bringing international exposure and helping to blend local and global football influences.
– Past campaigns have emphasized team cohesion, discipline, and a fearless approach, with coaches stressing the importance of finishing among the top teams in the group to advance.
Additional comments:
– The inclusion of overseas-based players alongside locally developed talent reflects Fiji’s broader strategy to strengthen youth football by integrating international experience with home-grown talent. If the squad maintains strong cohesion and execution, Fiji’s young talents have the potential to continue making waves on the regional and world stage.
– Watch for last-minute selections before departure and how the team adapts to the tournament’s level of competition in the Solomon Islands.
Summary:
Fiji’s U16s are closing in on the OFC Championship with nine weeks of camp behind them and a mix of home-grown and overseas-based players on the roster. The addition of Roneel Kumar to the coaching staff and the goal of back-to-back World Cup qualifications signal a ambitious push for continued success on the international youth stage.
Positive note:
With strong preparation, experienced inclusions, and a clear goal, Fiji’s Future Bula Boys are poised to build on their recent progress and potentially notch another step toward the FIFA U17 World Cup.
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