Twelve overseas-based players together with 24 local players have marched into camp for the Digicel national under-19 team trials at the Fiji FA Academy in Suva.
Five players came from Australia in the likes of Solayman Mohammed, Abdullah Aiyas, Mohammed Mustafa, Nabeel Afazal, Aadil Mohammed and Aabid Mohammed.
Four players are based out in New Zealand including Caleb Prasad, Vishay Reddy, Aydin Mustahib and Aaron Mohammed.
UK players Peter Ravitasai and Oliver McFadyan as well as United States-based player Aansh Prasad are also in the mix.
Some notable local names in the squad include national squad member Nabil Begg, Lautoka duo Junior Dekedeke and Gulam Razool, Suva defender Samuela Navoce, Nasinu midfielder Clarence Hussain, Ba goalkeeper Isikeli Sevanaia, Rewa midfielder Neemish Prasad, Navua’s Melvin Mani and Nadroga’s rising youngster Zoheb Rahim.
Head coach Ronil Lal says every player part of the 46-member squad will have to prove their worth for a selection in the main team.
“Having a mixture of local and overseas boys will create good competition and it will also help to bring the best out of every player.
“We had our first trial in Ba where we saw the local boys and managed to select 24 players.
“Then we had trial two meant for overseas players, the local players that are selected and those we have selected again, watching the games at the Fiji FACT and the total number has come to 46.
“We have 12 overseas-based Fijian players and they have shown their interest and it is good they are here with us,
“They have to show they are capable enough to make the national team then they will be part of it.
“And again it’s a challenge for local boys to match up to them or them to match up to our local boys.”
Lal said the final squad will be selected from the trials this week and will march in camp for the final preparation for the OFC U19 Championship to be played in Tahiti in September.
Extended squad members:
Samuela Navoce – Suva, Fiji, Steven Dean – Suva, Fiji, Peniasi Rotidara – Suva, Fiji, Joel Dayal – Suva, Fiji, Geary Kubu – Nasinu, Fiji, Clarence Hussain – Nasinu, Fiji, Ryan Chandra – Nasinu, Fiji Rishabh Khan – Rewa, Fiji, Neemish Prasad – Rewa, Fiji, Vishant Reddy – Nadi, Fiji, Nikesh Singh – Nadi, Fiji, Junior Dekedeke – Lautoka, Fiji, Gulam Razool – Lautoka, Fiji, Sterling Vasconcellos – Lautoka, Fiji, Zoheb Rahim – Nadroga, Fiji, Isikeli Sevanaia – Nadroga, Fiji, Faazil Faizul Ali – Ba, Fiji, Nabil Begg – Ba, Fiji, Watisoni Vuniwaqa – Ba Fiji, Mozeel Mohammed- Ba, Fiji, Ratu Tauvoli – Ba, Fiji, Pawan Singh – Labasa, Fiji, Joji Vuakaca – Labasa, Fiji, Sailosi Tawake – Labasa, Fiji, Eparama Moraica – Labasa, Fiji, Mohammed Fataul. R – Seaqaqa, Fiji, Sailasa Ratu – Tavua, Fiji, Sakiusa Saqiri – Tavua, Fiji, Sandeep Ram – Rakiraki, Fiji, Samuela Nasava – Northland Tailevu, Fiji, Melvin Mani – Navua, Fiji, Walelevu Batisoqosoqo – Navua, Fiji, Mohammed Tufeal. K – Nadogo, Fiji, Peter Ravitisai – Maidstone, UK, Abdullah Aiyas Bonnyrigg – White Eagles, Australia, Aansh Prasad – Elk Grove College, USA, Aydin Ashaz Mustahib – Auckland United FC, New Zealand, Mohammed Mustafa – Brisbane Roar, Aus, Aaron Mohemmed – Auckland City, NZ, Oliver Mcfadyan – Stockport County FC, UK, Vishay Chandra Reddy – Manukau United, NZ, Solayman Mohammed Bonnyrigg – White Eagles, AUS, Nabeel Afazal – Mounties Wanderers FC, AUS, Aadil Mohammed – Camden Tigers, AUS, Aabid Mohammed – Bankstown United, AUS, Caleb Aaron Prasad, Manukau United, NZ
