Junior Bula Boys Set for OFC U-16 Championship, Aiming for World Cup Qualification

Fiji's U-16 national football team, the Junior Bula Boys, are embarking on their journey to the OFC U-16 Championship in Papua New Guinea. This tournament holds significant weight, as the top three teams will secure berths in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar next year, marking a potential third appearance for Fiji on the world stage.

Leading the squad is Head Coach Sunil Kumar, who has previously guided Fiji to qualification in two prior U-16 campaigns. The team will be captained by Jone Loga, supported by vice-captains Isoa Baselala and the speedy Kirikiti Biu. The technical and support staff includes Technical Director David Baltase, Team Manager Shelvin Singh, Goalkeeping Coach Sanaila Waqanicakau, and Strength and Conditioning Coach/Physio Noel Augustine.

Coach Kumar expressed immense pride in his players' performance during the preparation phase. "The dedication, discipline and work ethic shown by this group have been exceptional," he stated. He highlighted the team's intensive six-week training camp, where players consistently challenged each other to improve. "We know the competition will be tough, but the players are focused, united and ready to give everything for Fiji," Kumar added, emphasizing their collective goal.

The Junior Bula Boys are set to depart for Papua New Guinea, commencing their pursuit of OFC glory and a coveted spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The full squad list includes Ratu NATIRIVI, Junaid NABI, Aaron VEITAMANI, Somit MAHARAJ, Jerry LEVEA, Jone LOGA, Shahil PRASAD, Simione POE, Maikeli RATUOVE, Darshil RAJ, Joshua PRASAD, Navitesh KUMAR, Ryan SWAMI, Isoa BASELALA, Lekima ROKODRAGI, Mohammed WATSON, Ahmad SHAMEEM, Rayyaan MOHAMMED, Zaman SHAH, Kirikiti BIU, Daniel Ganzalas RAICAMA, and Setoki VATANITAWAKE.

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The dedication, discipline and work ethic shown by this group have been exceptional. For the past six weeks, the boys have worked tirelessly in camp, embracing every challenge and pushing each other to improve. We know the competition will be tough, but the players are focused, united and ready to give everything for Fiji. Our goal is to make our country proud and compete for a place at the World Cup.