Sydney’s top national goalkeeper, Jerome Narayan, has been omitted from the Bula Boys squad ahead of the MSG Presidents Cup, which is set to take place in Honiara, Solomon Islands. He will be replaced by Joela Biuvanua from Nadi. Alongside veteran goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau and Akuila Mateisuva, Biuvanua completes the goalkeeping lineup for the 23-member squad.
Narayan participated in all of Fiji’s World Cup qualifier matches held in Suva and Port Moresby, highlighting his experience. Additionally, notable players like Captain Roy Krishna, Scott Wara, and Leroy Jennings are also overseas and unavailable for the tournament.
The 2024 Footballer of the Year, Ratu Tevita Waranaivalu, has not been included in the squad as he is taking time off to recover from injuries.
Despite the absence of these key players, the situation opens the door for emerging talents such as Samuela Navoce from Ba, Sailasa Ratu, Penisoni Tirau, along with Mohammed Ayman from Nadi and Eparama Moraica from Labasa, providing them with promising international exposure.
The MSG Prime Minister’s Cup is scheduled to take place from December 9 to December 21 in the Solomon Islands, making it an exciting opportunity for both experienced players and newcomers to showcase their skills.
Fiji’s squad includes:
– Goalkeepers: Simione Tamanisau, Akuila Mateisuva, Joela Biuvanua
– Defenders: Mohammed Ayman, Ivan Kumar, Mosese Nabose, Samuela Navoce, Gabirielle Matanisiga, Filipe Baravilala, Sterling Vasconsellos
– Midfielders: Sitiveni Cavuilagi, Aporosa Yada, Setareki Hughes, Nabil Begg, Sailasa Ratu, Rahul Krishna, Merril Nand, Dave Radrigai
– Forwards: Christopher Wasasala, Eparama Moraica, Sairusi Nalabu, Thomas Dunn, Penisoni Tirau
This reshuffling in the squad could signal a new era for Fiji’s football team, with young players gaining critical experience on the international stage, potentially setting a solid foundation for the future.
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