Three members of the Extra Supermarket Labasa football men’s team, which recently won the FMF Inter District Championship 2024, have been called up to join the Fiji men’s football squad. The Fiji Football Association announced the extended 29-member squad that will prepare for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Included in the squad are Labasa’s Golden Glove recipient Simione Tamanisau, experienced striker Christopher Wasasala, and defender Sekove Naivakananumi. Labasa coach Ravneel Pratap expressed pride in the selection of these players, highlighting their outstanding performances as deserving of the call-up.
Pratap commented on Wasasala’s ability to enhance the team’s attacking strength, noting that he has the potential to form effective partnerships with other forwards. He expressed gratitude to the Fiji FA for recognizing the improvement of Labasa’s players, which contributed to their selection.
The coach encouraged other Labasa players who were not chosen to continue their hard work in hopes of earning national team recognition. He also urged the three selected players to elevate their performance as they transition to regional competition.
“We aspire for our players to be part of history if we secure World Cup qualification,” Pratap stated. The national team, guided by coach Rob Sherman, began their World Cup qualification campaign successfully with a 1-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in the opening round.
Former Labasa FA president Paul Jaduram praised the Fiji FA for making the right choice in selecting these players to represent the national team, affirming that their strong performances in the IDC warranted the opportunity.
The chosen squad is as follows: 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.