The USA All Stars arrived in Fiji today as they gear up for the 2024 Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup in Lautoka. The team, which includes a mix of professional and semi-professional players, will spend the next few days focusing on team cohesion and tactics, having not trained collectively prior to their arrival.
Gurjit Singh, the team’s technical advisor and former national coach, highlighted that Coach Imone Mohanta has diligently selected a strong roster for the tournament. Despite their impressive performance last year in New Zealand, where they topped their pool but faced disappointment in the finals, Singh is optimistic about their chances this time around. “I hope to turn that around in Lautoka and win our first Pacific Cup title,” he expressed.
Singh, who has extensive experience with various teams in past Pacific Cups, observed that the competition continues to grow stronger with each edition. The inclusion of skilled players enhances the excitement for fans, promising high-level play and thrilling matches.
Notably, the USA All Stars lineup features several familiar names, such as Dubai-based former Fiji U20 defender Peter Ravai and former Navua midfielder Manav Permal. Fans can also look forward to seeing guest players like Javi Mariona and Donovan Lescott take to the field.
The All Stars will kick off their campaign against Labasa in the opening match scheduled for Thursday at 4:30 PM, followed by encounters with the NZFFI Auckland All Stars and Rewa on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
This tournament not only highlights the competitive spirit among teams but also showcases the growing stature of Pacific football on an international platform. With passionate fans and thrilling games ahead, the stage is set for an exciting tournament filled with potential breakthroughs and memorable moments in Fijian sports history.
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