The Fiji Football Association’s Bula Boys are set for the King’s Cup Challenge in Thailand with a 21-man squad finalized for the tournament, as head coach Marika Rodu puts the team through its paces ahead of their opening clash with the host nation.
Rodu described the King’s Cup as a valuable test against high-calibre international opposition and a crucial stepping stone to tighten combinations, deepen the squad, and gain experience for Fiji’s next campaign. He stressed the need to focus on playing football, defending well, and managing possession effectively when the ball is in play. Acknowledging Thailand’s strength, he noted Fiji’s readiness to meet the challenge head-on and continued to emphasise balance within the selected group.
Roy Krishna will not travel to Thailand as he continues his recovery in Ba, but the squad has received a boost with Setareki Hughes rejoining after an earlier personal withdrawal. The final 21-man squad features a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, underscoring Fiji’s long-term strategy of building depth ahead of future World Cup qualification cycles.
Final 21-man squad: Jitoka Vulaca, Joela Biuvanua, Isikeli Sevanaia, Gabrieli Matanisiga, Patrick Joseph, Simione Nabenu, Mohammed Ayman, Sterling Vasconcellos, Ilisoni Logaivou, Samuela Navoce, Tevita Waranivalu, Malakai Lavacake, Penisoni Tirau, Thomas Dunn, Epeli Valevou, Rusiati Doidoi, Etonia Dogalau, Shazil Ali, Christopher Wasasala, Setareki Hughes, Sitiveni Rakai.
What this signals for Fiji going forward:
– A deliberate shift to blend young talents with veterans to create a deeper pool for World Cup qualification cycles.
– The King’s Cup as a platform to test different playing styles and build confidence ahead of future international fixtures.
– Continued emphasis on development at the Fiji Football Association Academy in Ba to prepare players for both regional and global competition.
Summary: Fiji’s Bula Boys have named their final 21 for the King’s Cup in Thailand, with Roy Krishna left out for recovery and Setareki Hughes returning to the squad. The team faces Thailand in the opener and aims to grow depth and experience for Fiji’s longer-term international ambitions, maintaining an optimistic and developmental approach for the next phase of competition.
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