With their FIFA World Cup qualifiers semi-final against All Whites just a week away, the Bula Boys are making every match count as they build towards the crucial showdown.
The national football team continued their strong preparation with a 1-0 victory over Eastern Suburbs AFC on Sunday, following a dominant 3-0 win over Auckland United last Wednesday.
Their final warm-up match against Wellington Phoenix this Saturday will be the last opportunity for players to prove themselves before the qualifiers.
National team defender Sterling Vasconcellos, who plays centre-back and right-back, believes the squad is coming together well.
“It’s really good, the boys make me feel like I’m at home,” Vasconcellos said.
“We’re always making jokes and working together. I think the team is really coming together and hopefully, we can make everyone at home proud.”
Born to a father from Hawaii and a mother from Nadi, Vasconcellos grew up in Lautoka and began playing football at Dreketi Sangam School in Saweni.
He later progressed through Lautoka’s youth system and made his senior team debut in 2021.
The 19-year-old says training at this level has helped him improve his game.
“It’s another level here, quite fast and tactical so that has helped me a lot with understanding and reading the game,” he said.
As the team nears the final phase of preparation, Vasconcellos remains hopeful.
“We just need to trust in each other and put our trust in the Lord also,” he said.
The Bula Boys will now shift their focus to their final test against Wellington Phoenix before their semi-final clash.
Meanwhile the semi-final match will kick off next week Friday on March 21.
