Fiji’s men’s national football team is prioritizing the acquisition of passports for professional players eligible to represent the country ahead of the upcoming semi-final in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers taking place in March. This push has been emphasized by Fiji’s head coach, Rob Sherman, particularly in light of captain Roy Krishna’s absence due to an ACL injury.
Fiji is set to compete against New Zealand in Wellington on March 21, and the other semi-final will feature New Caledonia against Tahiti. Despite the challenges posed by the roster changes, Sherman reassured fans that the team’s preparation in terms of tactics and system will remain mostly unchanged.
Sherman pointed out the significant hurdle in obtaining passports for eligible players, many of whom play in prominent leagues abroad, such as Leeds United and Toronto FC. He believes that adding these players to the squad could enhance Fiji’s competitive edge.
With Krishna sidelined, Sherman is looking to his remaining strikers, including Sairusi Nalaubu and Setareki Hughes, among others, to rise to the occasion. The focus will now be on maximizing opportunities for goal-scoring, regardless of who leads the attack.
The coach also acknowledged several areas needing improvement, particularly in maintaining defensive organization after losing possession and strengthening set-piece defense. He remains hopeful, stating that Fiji has several capable players who can secure goals if given the chance.
Overall, the team’s resilience and dedication to improving their game, as well as the potential inclusion of overseas talent, provide a promising outlook as they prepare for a challenging match against New Zealand. This determination to evolve and adapt post-Krishna highlights Fiji’s commitment to achieving success on the international stage.
Leave a comment