Fiji’s Bula Boys lean on youth as stars miss King’s Cup in Thailand

Three key players will miss Fiji’s Bula Boys in their King’s Cup campaign in Thailand next month. Rewa midfielder Setareki Hughes has pulled out due to family commitments, Suva’s Akuila Mataisuva is unavailable because of work obligations, and team captain Roy Krishna will sit out the camp while he continues his recovery from injury.

In better news for Fiji, Labasa’s Anish Khem and Ilisoni Lolaivalu have been added to the extended squad. Their inclusion is expected to bring a balance of defensive solidity and attacking flair as Fiji prepares to take on regional heavyweights in one of Asia’s premier invitational tournaments.

The national squad will assemble this weekend at the Fiji Football Association Academy in Ba to begin preparations. Fiji will open against host Thailand on September 4, with the potential to reach the final on September 7, where they would meet either Iraq or Hong Kong.

Coach Marika Rodu has stressed that squad selection is aligned with Fiji’s long-term World Cup qualification plan, prioritizing players who will be available for the upcoming campaign and the broader project ahead. As a result, several senior players are not being considered due to age-related factors, making room for younger talents to gain valuable international experience.

Extended squad
Goalkeepers
– Jitoko Vulaca (Labasa)
– Joela Biuvanua (Nadi)
– Isikeli Sevanaia (Lautoka)
– Alzar Alam (Ba)

Defenders
– Gabiriele Matanisiga (Rewa)
– Patrick Joseph (Rewa)
– Simione Nabenu (Lautoka)
– Samuela Navoce (Ba)
– Mohammed Ayman (Nadi)
– Isimeli Gavidi (Ba)
– Sitiveni Rakai (Labasa)
– Lekima Gonerau (Labasa)
– Sterling Vasconcellos (Eastern Suburbs, NZ)

Midfielders
– Ivan Kumar (Rewa)
– Avisai Vunisasaro (Ba)
– Tevita Waranaivalu (Rewa)
– Malakai Lavecake (Nadroga)
– Penisoni Tirau (Ba)
– Thomas Dunn (Eastern Suburbs, NZ)

Strikers
– Epeli Valevou (Rewa)
– Rusiate Doidoi (Labasa)
– Etonia Dogalau (Ba)
– Mohammed Shazil Ali (Lautoka)
– Veleni Rasorewa (Fiji U-17)
– Christopher Wasasala (Labasa)

The lineup reflects Fiji’s ongoing strategy to blend emerging talent with experienced players, aiming to build depth and cohesion ahead of future international assignments. With a focus on the long-term World Cup cycle, there is cautious optimism among fans that the younger squad members can rise to the challenge on Thailand’s welcoming stage and help lay the groundwork for a brighter era in Fijian football.