The team will now be shifting its focus towards the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month, says Digicel Bula Boys captain Roy Krishna.
Despite a decline in performance, with a 1-1 draw against Hong Kong-China in the final of the Tri-Nations Friendlies series on Sunday, Krishna said there was still work to be done before the main qualifiers.
Krishna expressed pride in the team’s performance against Hong Kong and emphasised the importance of the World Cup Qualification matches in the next window.
He is hopeful that the players will be fit, injury-free, and come back stronger for the qualifiers.
As for himself, Krishna mentioned the long journey back to India before returning for the new season.
“For the team our next big one is the World Cup Qualification next month,” said Krishna.
“We really need to start working from now, that’s the more important one.
“So hopefully these boys will be fit, injury free, and come back stronger.”
Head coach Rob Sherman also shared his optimism and said that the team was in a good space to build on the experience gained from the friendlies.
They are looking forward to facing the Solomon Islands in their first pool match in October.
The World Cup Qualifiers will see Group A fixtures held in HFC Bank in Suva on October 10, with exciting matches between Solomon Islands and Fiji, as well as New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea.
In Port Vila, Group B fixtures will feature New Zealand against Tahiti on October 11 and Vanuatu against the winner of Round One on October 12.