As Fiji’s national football team, known as the Digicel Bula Boys, gears up for the vital FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania qualifiers, head coach Rob Sherman has conveyed a mix of enthusiasm and concern.
Fiji is set to compete against the Solomon Islands on October 10 at HFC Stadium, followed by matches against Papua New Guinea on November 14 and New Caledonia on November 17. However, the timing of the FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC), which takes place from October 15 to 20, poses potential risks. Sherman voiced his worries about the impact the IDC could have on the players, particularly regarding injuries.
“We need to respect that, and hopefully, they come through without injuries,” Sherman said. “It’s challenging to play three or four games in such a short period. In leagues like the Premier League, you typically only play two matches a week.”
Sherman emphasizes the importance of keeping the team healthy for the crucial away fixtures against PNG and New Caledonia. “We hope that the players get through the IDC unscathed so we can have a full squad for our final preparations.”
Looking ahead, Sherman hinted at the possibility of integrating new talent into the squad for the upcoming season. “We continually evaluate performances, and if a player stands out, they will be considered for selection. Ideally, we prefer to bring in players who are in professional football, but we are facing challenges with passport issues this year.”
As the Bula Boys aim for a strong showing in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, successfully managing domestic competitions alongside international duties will be vital for their aspirations leading up to 2026.