Fiji U-19 coach applies same standards to all players

Fiji's Under-19 men's football team coach Marika Rodu has finalized his 23-member squad for the upcoming OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa, asserting that selection criteria were applied equally to all players, regardless of their location.

Rodu expressed satisfaction with the chosen group after a thorough selection process. Trials were conducted across Fiji, followed by a two-day trial in New Zealand for players based overseas. He stressed that every player has a vital role, irrespective of their starting position.

"It would not be right to make this separation of overseas-based and local-based players," Rodu said. "I see them as all Fijians and all of them have the eligibility to represent Fiji. 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."

The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship offers a significant opportunity for Fiji's young talent to compete against top regional teams, with qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup as the ultimate goal.

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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 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.