The Fiji Junior Bula Boys are gearing up for their campaign at the OFC U19 Men’s Championship in Samoa with a well-balanced squad that combines experience and international exposure.
Head Coach Marika Rondu expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and composition ahead of their departure.
“I am happy with what we have done; I believe we are in a good place going into this championship. The process has been hectic but we have finally made up our 23-member squad and the boys are really looking forward to the games,” Rondu told FijiLive.
The team features a strong core of seasoned players, including nine members who advanced from last year’s U17 squad to this year’s U19 team.
The squad also includes five overseas-based players and several who have been active in the Digicel Fiji Premier League (DFPL) and other competitions.
“I believe these set of boys really push each other in training and they are ready to take the challenge,” Rondu added.
Fiji is placed in Group A alongside Tahiti, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
Group B includes New Zealand, New Caledonia, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea, setting the stage for a fiercely contested championship.
The Fiji U19 team is set to depart for Samoa tomorrow, with high hopes of securing a spot at next year’s World Cup.
Their campaign will kick off against Tahiti on July 5 at 1pm.