Two promising young talents have earned their first senior call-ups as Fiji’s Bula Boys prepare for next month’s King’s Cup in Thailand.
Head coach Marika Rodu has selected Labasa goalkeeper Jitoko Vulaca and 17-year-old striker Veleni Rasorewa recently promoted from the Fiji U-17 team — as part of a youthful 25-member extended squad.
The team will convene for a training camp at the Fiji Football Association Academy in Ba next Sunday, after which the squad will be reduced to 21 players to take on Thailand, Iraq, and Hong Kong.
This tournament offers valuable international experience ahead of the next FIFA World Cup qualification cycle.
However, key players such as captain Roy Krishna, sidelined with injury, and Setareki Hughes and Akuila Mataisuva, who withdrew due to personal and work commitments, will be absent.
Coach Rodu emphasized that the squad selection is part of a long-term plan.
He says that they are building for the future, selecting players who can commit to the journey ahead.
He adds that several senior players were not considered due to age-related factors.
The extended squad includes Vulaca, Joela Biuvanua, Isikeli Sevanaia, Alzar Alam, Gabiriele Matanisiga, Patrick Joseph, Simione Nabenu, Samuela Navoce, Mohammed Ayman, Isimeli Gavidi, Sitiveni Rakai, Lekima Gonerau, Sterling Vasconcellos, Ivan Kumar, Avisai Vunisasaro, Tevita Waranaivalu, Malakai Lavecake, Penisoni Tirau, Thomas Dunn, Epeli Valevou, Rusiate Doidoi, Etonia Dogalau, Mohammed Shazil Ali, Rasorewa, and Christopher Wasasala.
The Fiji Bula Boys will head to Thailand in early September to take on some of Asia’s strongest football teams, aiming to gain crucial experience and build momentum for upcoming international tournaments.
