Three players from the victorious FMF Inter District Championship 2024 team, Extra Supermarket Labasa, have been selected to join the Fiji men’s national football team. The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) announced an extended 29-member squad as preparations begin for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Among those selected from Labasa are Golden Glove winner Simione Tamanisau, experienced striker Christopher Wasasala, and defender Sekove Naivakananumi. Labasa coach Ravneel Pratap expressed pride in his players’ selection, highlighting their impressive performances throughout the championship.
Pratap noted that Wasasala’s inclusion would enhance the team’s attacking strength, praising his ability to forge effective partnerships with other strikers. He appreciated Fiji FA for recognizing the players’ improvements that led to their selection.
“My players have the capability to perform at a high level of football,” Pratap stated, encouraging other Labasa players who were left out to strive for future opportunities in the national team. He also advised the selected players to elevate their performance levels, as they will be competing at the regional stage.
The national team, coached by Rob Sherman, commenced their World Cup qualifying campaign successfully, earning a 1-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in their opening match. Former Labasa FA president Paul Jaduram commended Fiji FA for their decision to include these players in the national squad, emphasizing that they earned their places through outstanding performances in the IDC.
The Fiji squad includes: 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, and Christopher Wasasala.