Three players from the FMF Inter District Championship 2024-winning Extra Supermarket Labasa football team have been selected to join the Fiji men’s football squad. The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) announced a 29-member extended squad in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Included in the squad are Labasa’s Golden Glove winner Simione Tamanisau, veteran striker Christopher Wasasala, and defender Sekove Naivakananumi. Labasa coach Ravneel Pratap expressed pride in his players’ selection, stating they earned their spots through exceptional performances.
Pratap highlighted Wasasala’s ability to enhance the team’s attacking strength, suggesting he has the potential to develop strong partnerships with other strikers. He thanked the Fiji FA for recognizing the improvements of his players, which led to their inclusion in the national team.
“My players have the capability to perform at a high level of football,” Pratap affirmed, encouraging other Labasa players who were not selected to work hard for future opportunities. He also advised the three selected players to elevate their game as they prepare to compete at the regional level.
The Rob Sherman-coached national team began its World Cup qualifying campaign positively, securing a 1-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in their first match. Former Labasa FA president Paul Jaduram commended the Fiji FA for its decision to allow these players to represent the national side, emphasizing that they deserved the call-up for their outstanding performances in the IDC.
Fiji Squad: Joela Biuvanua, Simione Tamanisau, Jerome Narayan, Akuila Mateisuva, Filipe Baravilala, Sekove Naivakananumi, Samuela Kautoga, Scott Wara, Sterling Vasconcellos, Atonio Tuivuna, Gabirieli Matanisiga, Josh Laqeretabua, Ivan Kumar, Kavaia Rawaqa, Setareki Hughes, Merill Nand, Rahul Krishna, Sitiveni Cavuilagi, Mohammed Raheem, Tevita Warainivalu, Dave Radrigai, Leroy Jennings, Aporosa Yada, Nabil Begg, Thomas Dunn, Roy Krishna, Sairusi Nalaubu, Etonia Dogalau, Christopher Wasasala.