Three players from the victorious Extra Supermarket Labasa football team’s FMF Inter District Championship 2024 have been selected to join the Fiji men’s football squad. The Fiji Football Association announced an extended 29-member squad aimed at preparing for the upcoming round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Included in the squad are Labasa’s Golden Glove winner Simione Tamanisau, experienced striker Christopher Wasasala, and defender Sekove Naivakananumi. Labasa coach Ravneel Pratap expressed his pride in their selection, highlighting that their strong performances warranted this opportunity.
Pratap noted that Wasasala’s presence would enhance the team’s attacking options, suggesting he is adept at forming strong partnerships with other strikers. He thanked the Fiji FA for recognizing the growth of his players that contributed to their selection.
Pratap encouraged other Labasa players who were not selected to continue working hard towards representing the national team. He also advised the three chosen players to elevate their gameplay as they will now compete on a regional level, aiming to contribute to Fiji’s quest for World Cup qualification.
The national team, coached by Rob Sherman, commenced their World Cup qualifying campaign successfully with a 1-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in the first round. Former Labasa FA president Paul Jaduram supported the decision of the Fiji FA to allow these players the opportunity to represent the national side, affirming their deserving call-up following their outstanding performances in the IDC.