Three players from the victorious Extra Supermarket Labasa football men’s team, which won the FMF Inter District Championship 2024, have received call-ups to the Fiji men’s football squad. The Fiji Football Association unveiled a 29-member extended squad as part of preparations for the upcoming 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 belief that these players earned their selection through their exceptional performances.
Pratap stated that the players showcased the talent Labasa has to offer when given the opportunity. He felt a sense of pride in his players’ selection to represent the national team. He noted that Wasasala would enhance the team’s attacking options and has the ability to forge effective combinations with other strikers.
Pratap appreciated the Fiji FA for recognizing the improvements of his players, which contributed to their selection. He emphasized that his players possess the capability to excel at higher levels of football. He also encouraged other Labasa players who were not selected to put in the effort needed to earn a place on the national team.
He advised the three selected players to maintain high standards in their gameplay, especially as they will compete at a regional level. “We want our players to be part of history if we achieve World Cup qualification,” he remarked.
The national team, under the guidance of coach Rob Sherman, began their World Cup qualifying campaign strongly, securing a 1-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in the first round. Former Labasa FA president Paul Jaduram praised the Fiji FA for making the right choice in allowing these players to represent the national side, stating that their performances in the IDC warranted their call-up.
The Fiji national squad consists of the following players: 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.
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