Maikah Lomax Dau will again wear the captain’s armband for Fiji’s under-16 men’s team at the OFC U-16 Championship in the Solomon Islands, with Saula Mautini and Arnav Chand named as vice-captains. The 15-year-old Dau led the side at last year’s Tahiti tournament, and his leadership is again seen as vital as Fiji seeks back-to-back FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifications.
Head coach Sunil Kumar says Dau’s maturity, leadership, and consistent performances make him the right choice to guide the young Bula Boys as they chase a second successive World Cup appearance. The squad heading to Honiara this month blends home-grown talent with overseas-based players, strengthening Fiji’s youth development with international experience.
Among the overseas-based players are Arnav Chand of Blacktown Spartans in Australia, Koopah Singh from Ricki Herbert Academy in New Zealand, and Ryan Achari of Hamilton Wanderers in New Zealand, who have integrated well with the local squad. The team also features a core group that fought through last year’s Tahiti campaign, reinforcing a blend of continuity and new ideas.
The Fiji side has been in camp for about nine weeks, with the addition of former Ba FC coach Roneel Kumar to the coaching staff, a move Kumar says brings valuable experience and fresh perspective to the program. The Future Bula Boys will be officially farewelled in Ba before departing for the Solomon Islands, with preparations described as progressing well.
The OFC U-16 Championship runs from August 17 to 30 and doubles as the qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Fiji is drawn into Group A, alongside Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, and Tahiti, with the top two teams from the group advancing to the global stage.
For Fiji, the tournament represents more than a single campaign; it marks continued growth in youth development, the fusion of local talent with international exposure, and a strong drive to make history on the regional and world stage. If the squad maintains cohesion and execution, the Future Bula Boys could build on recent progress and take another significant step forward.
Summary: Fiji’s U-16s enter the Solomon Islands with a seasoned captain in Dau, supported by a mix of local and overseas-based players, and a clear goal of securing back-to-back World Cup appearances. The nine-week training block and experienced additions suggest a positive path forward for the program.
Positive note: With strong leadership, thoughtful squad blends, and a determined mindset, Fiji’s young talents are positioned to show resilience and progress on the international stage.
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