FIJI U19 men’s head coach Marika Rodu believes the Junior Bula Boys have what it takes to make their mark at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa.
After an extensive selection process that included trials around Fiji, New Zealand and the identification of overseas-based players, Rodu is satisfied with the 23-member squad selected for the regional tournament.
“I’m convinced with the boys that we’ve worked with through the trial process. We had a fair idea of what the other players had to offer, but we feel that the players we have selected are satisfactory and they should be able to do the job in Samoa,” Rodu said.
For Rodu, selection was not based solely on technical ability. He wanted players who were genuinely committed to representing Fiji and willing to compete for their places.
“The qualities I looked at were players who are genuine for the cause, players who have come with a purpose and who have used this opportunity to showcase their talent.
“We wanted players who really want to be here, not just making up the numbers, but who are competitive at every training session and in all our games.”
The selection process extended beyond Fiji, with the coaching staff travelling to New Zealand for a two-day trial in July. Players based in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Dubai and the United States were also considered.
However, Rodu stressed that the squad would not be divided between local and overseas-based players.
“It would not be right to make this separation of overseas-based and local-based players. I see them as all Fijians and all of them have the eligibility to represent Fiji.
“The expectations for all players are the same to represent Fiji with pride and also do their best to be competitive.”
With the tournament fast approaching, Rodu believes unity will be crucial. He said every player in the 23-member squad has an important role, whether starting or coming off the bench.
“Everybody has a role to play, whether they are a starter or a non-starter. We are a team of 23 and we should support each other and keep the standard up for the championship.”
The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship is more than just a regional competition. It offers Fiji’s emerging talents the chance to test themselves against the best young players in Oceania, with qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup providing an added incentive.
For the Junior Bula Boys, the challenge now is to turn months of preparation and selection into performances on the field.
Rodu is confident his players are ready to embrace that challenge and represent Fiji with pride in Samoa.
