“It will be a valuable opportunity for the players to test themselves against strong international opponents.”
This was according to Fiji Football’s Bula Boys head coach Marika Rodu, as he prepares his final 21-member squad for the prestigious 51st King’s Cup Challenge in Thailand next month.
The national team is set to face host nation Thailand in their opening match, offering a challenge that will not only be tough but also rewarding as Rodu aims to enhance the depth and experience of Fiji’s football squad.
Rodu emphasised the importance of the tournament as a steppingstone for the team to strengthen their combinations and face high-calibre competition.
He expressed confidence in the balanced squad selected and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“This is a valuable opportunity for our boys to measure themselves against strong international opponents,” said Rodu.
“We’ve picked a balanced squad, and we are looking forward to the challenge
“Our main aim is to play football obviously and secondly is to defend well, when we have the ball, we need to manage it well.”
He also mentioned that Thailand will be a tough team to compete, with as they are ranked higher than Fiji.
“We know that Thailand is a well organised team, they are obviously ranked more higher than Fiji, 48 spots away from us, but that does not take away the fact what we have trained and learned and apply in our first match.”
Although national captain Roy Krishna has been training with the team in Ba as part of his recovery process, he will not be part of the travelling squad for the tournament in Thailand next week.
Setareki Hughes who had initially withdrawn due to presonal commitments has rejoined the squad.
The final 21-member squad for the Bula Boys includes Jitoka Vulaca, Joela Biuvanua, Isikeli Sevanaia, Gabrieli Matanisiga, Patrick Joseph, Simione Nabenu, Mohammed Ayman, Sterling Vasconcellos, Ilisoni Logaivou, Samuela Navoce, Tevita Waranivalu, Malakai Lavacake, Penisoni Tirau, Thomas Dunn, Epeli Valevou, Rusiati Doidoi, Etonia Dogalau, Shazil Ali, Christopher Wasasala, Setareki Hughes, and Sitiveni Rakai.