Three players from the victorious Extra Supermarket Labasa football team, champions of the FMF Inter District Championship 2024, have been selected for the Fiji men’s national football squad.
The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) announced a 29-member extended squad as they gear up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Among those selected are Labasa’s Golden Glove winner Simione Tamanisau, veteran striker Christopher Wasasala, and defender Sekove Naivakananumi.
Labasa coach Ravneel Pratap expressed pride in the players’ selection, noting their excellent performances warranted the call-up. He emphasized the potential within the Labasa team and felt it was a significant achievement for his players to represent their country.
Pratap highlighted that Wasasala would enhance the team’s attacking capabilities and has the potential to effectively collaborate with other strikers. He also thanked Fiji FA for recognizing the improvement of his players, which has led to their inclusion in the national squad.
“My players have the capability to perform at a high level of football,” Pratap remarked, encouraging other Labasa players who were not selected to intensify their efforts for future opportunities.
He cautioned the three selected players to elevate their performance as they will be competing at a higher level in regional matches. Pratap expressed a desire for his players to make history with a potential World Cup qualification.
Under the guidance of coach Rob Sherman, the national team achieved a strong start to their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in the opening round.
Former Labasa FA president Paul Jaduram stated that the Fiji FA made a wise choice in selecting these players, commending their outstanding performances in the IDC.
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