THE Fiji Football Association has named a 29-member national training squad to prepare for the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.
The squad marches into camp at the National Football Academy in Ba this afternoon.
Out of the 29 members, only seven were part of the last national senior team.
Simione Tamanisau, Pita Bolaitoga, Remueru Takiate, Maciu Dunadamu, Ilisoni Logaivou, Misiale Draunibaka and Benaminio Mateinaqara represented Fiji at the Oceania Nations Cup in the Solomon Islands in 2012.
Fiji finished third at the group stage and failed to secure a spot in the semi-final.
Fiji Football Association vice-president and national team director Tarunesh Reddy said the squad would be in camp for one week.
Reddy said the fitness level of the players would be gauged in the first few days.
“The technical department has drawn up a plan in the lead up to the Pacific Games,” he said.
“The camp is starting early so that the coaches are aware of the requirements to build a formidable unit.”
Fiji’s last gold medal win at the regional event was in 2003.
The national side had to settle for the silver medal in Samoa in 2007 after losing to New Caledonia 1-0 in the final. At the Noumea Games in 2011, Fiji failed to win a medal after losing to Tahiti 2-1 in the bronze playoff.
None of the overseas players have been called for this camp.
Reddy said the performances of the overseas-based players were being monitored.
He said possible overseas tours would be lined-up in March and June.
“The overseas players are on the radar of the coaches,” Reddy said.
“Their inclusion will depend on their form and fitness level.”
Roy Krishna (New Zealand), Ilaitia Tuilau (Vanuatu), Alvin Singh (Mounties Wanderers-Australia), Osea Vakatalesau (Vanuatu) and Amani Makoe (Vanuatu) are some of the players plying their trade overseas.
Meanwhile the following players are requested to march into camp at the National Football Academy in Ba from 1pm today. Ulaiasi Tamanisau (Suva GK), Simione Tamanisau (Rewa GK), Benaminio Mateinaqara (Nadi GK), Akuila Mateisuva (Rewa GK), Jone Vesikula (Ba DF), Peniame Drova (Rewa DF, Remueru Tekiate (Ba DF/MF), Ilimotama Jese (Nadi DF/MF), Laisenia Naioko (Ba DF), Leone Damudamu (Suva DF), Krishneel Dutt (Nadroga DF/MF), Ilisoni Logaivau (Labasa DF/MF), Iliesa Lino (Lautoka DF), Zibraaz Sahib (Lautoka MF), Pita Rabo (Suva MF/DF), Taione Kerevanua (Labasa MF), Rusiate Matarerega (Lautoka ST/MF), Misaele Draunibaka (Rewa ST/MF), Samuela Drudru (Nadi ST), Napolioni Qasevakatini (Suva ST), Pita Bolaitoga (Labasa MF/ST), Ravinesh Singh (Suva ST), Maciu Dunadamu (Labasa ST), Jone Kaloutani (Rewa DF/MF), Kavaia Rawaqa (Lautoka DF), Luke Rawadamu (Nadroga DF), Sakaraia Naisua (Suva DF/MD), Manasa Nawakula (Ba DF/MF), Savenaca Nakalevu (Rewa MF/ST).
