Fiji names squad for OFC U-19 Championship

Fiji Under-19 head coach Marika Rodu has finalized his 23-member squad for the upcoming OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, set to take place in Samoa next month. The tournament is scheduled from September 1 to 14, and Fiji has been placed in Group B.

Their group opponents include strong contenders New Zealand, Tahiti, and Vanuatu. Fiji will kick off their campaign on September 2 against Vanuatu. They will then face the tournament favorites, New Zealand, on September 5, before concluding their pool matches against Tahiti on September 8.

The selected squad features a balanced mix of talent across all positions. In goal, Usaia Tamaniqio, Maleli Tawake, and Frank Dansey have been chosen. The defensive line will be bolstered by Manasa Kubucaucau, Krishna Junior, Farhaan Khan, Delon Shankar, Teimana Goundar, Bilal Khan, and Ame Lutu.

Midfield duties will be handled by Nicholas Franklin, Maikah Dau, Ryan Naresh, Abdullah Khairati, Akuila Vata, and Waisea Naicovu. The winger positions are filled by Jovesa Uqe, Ibraheem Afazal, Jai Naidu, and Meli Vuilabasa. Upfront, Shivkrant Kumar, Apenisa Dulukobau, and Semi Natinavou will lead the attack. Marika Rodu will be supported by assistant coach Dhirend Chand, with Saten Prasad serving as team manager and Iosevo Vosoboto as goalkeeper coach.