As Fiji’s Digicel Bula Boys prepare for their crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania qualifiers, head coach Rob Sherman has expressed both excitement and caution.
Fiji will face off against the Solomon Islands on October 10 at HFC Stadium before heading on the road to play Papua New Guinea (PNG) on November 14 and New Caledonia on November 17.
However, the FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC), which runs from October 15-20, falls between Fiji’s World Cup qualifier matches. Sherman shared his concerns about the toll the IDC could take on the players, particularly in terms of potential injuries.
“We have to respect that and if they do that hopefully they don’t get injured.
“Playing three or four games in three or four days. I’m not sure where else in the world that happens if I’m correct,” Sherman said.
“If I’m correct, in leagues like the Premier League, the most you play is two games a week.”
His focus remains on ensuring that the team stays healthy for their critical away matches in PNG and New Caledonia next month.
“We just hope that they come through the IDC, unscathed, and we still have a full squad when we regroup for our final preparations.”
Looking beyond the current campaign, Sherman also hinted at the possibility of bringing in fresh talent for the squad in the next season.
“We consistently review performances, and if someone emerges in good form, they’ll be called into the squad,” he explained.
“Obviously, we would prefer to call in players who are playing professional football, but passport issues continue to be a challenge this year.”
With the Bula Boys aiming to make a strong impression in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, balancing domestic competitions and international commitments will be crucial for Fiji’s footballing aspirations on the road to 2026.
