Three players from the Extra Supermarket Labasa men’s football team, which recently triumphed in the FMF Inter District Championship 2024, have been selected for the Fiji men’s football squad. The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) announced a 29-member extended squad as they prepare for the next round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Included in this extended squad are Labasa’s Golden Glove winner Simione Tamanisau, renowned striker Christopher Wasasala, and defender Sekove Naivakananumi. Labasa coach Ravneel Pratap expressed pride in his players’ selection, stating that they have earned their place through impressive performances.
Pratap highlighted Wasasala’s ability to enhance the team’s attacking strategy and his knack for forming strong partnerships with other strikers. He commended the Fiji FA for acknowledging the progress of their players, which resulted in their call-up.
“My players are capable of performing at high levels of football,” Pratap remarked. He also encouraged other Labasa players who were not selected to work diligently in hopes of representing the national team in the future.
As for the three selected players, Pratap urged them to elevate their game in preparation for regional competition, expressing the desire for their involvement in achieving World Cup qualification.
The national team, coached by Rob Sherman, kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign successfully, securing a 1-0 victory against the Solomon Islands in the opening round. Former Labasa FA president Paul Jaduram supported the decision by Fiji FA to include these players, asserting that they deserved the opportunity after their outstanding performances in the IDC.
FIJI SQUAD: 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, Christopher Wasasala.
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