THE FIFA International “A” Friendlies Tri-Nations Series is a crucial preparation ground for the Digicel Fiji Bula Boys heading towards the World Cup qualifiers in October.
While winning is the ultimate goal, head coach Rob Sherman wants to see the cohesion of all intricate details that they’ve practiced during training.
The team has been in camp for the past two weeks with majority of the players having played together during the OFC Men’s Nations Cup earlier this year and the Pacific Games in 2023.
A few new faces have been included in the 26-member squad including Australian-based goalkeeper Jerome Narayan and Nadi’s Rahul Krishna.
“We want to perform well and win both games, that’s the goal.
“More importantly we want to perform well and execute our game plan and continue our improvement towards the World Cup qualifiers,” Sherman stated.
It is also a vital opportunity to give the players a taste of what’s to come. Mental preparation will be key in this Tri-Series and Sherman will be sharp in gauging his players and jot down the potentials for the qualifiers.
“It’s essential, having two games with different oppositions gives us a chance to really cement what we are trying to do and get the lads into the international frame mentally before the October qualifier which is not long after so its very important,” he added.
Fiji plays the Solomon Islands in the first match tomorrow at 7pm at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Both teams grouped in Pool A in October’s FIFA World Cup qualifier.
