Three promising young football players from Fiji—Neemish Prasad from Rewa, Asivorosi Rabo from Asivori, and Ryan Naresh from Ba—have made the exciting leap into the extended national squad for the first time. They will compete in the upcoming MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Papua New Guinea next month. The trio has impressed fans and coaches alike with their vibrant performances during the recent Inter-District Championship held in Ba, demonstrating remarkable skill and dedication on the field.
The extended squad showcases diversity among its members, with a solid representation from various clubs: Rewa FC contributes 10 players, Labasa provides 8, Ba has 7, and Lautoka adds 4, alongside others from clubs like Navua, Nadi, Suva, and Nadroga. This mix demonstrates a strategic effort to balance seasoned experience with fresh talent, aiming to enhance the national team’s competitiveness.
Marika Rodu, the assistant coach instrumental in selecting the squad, stated that the team’s focus is on creating a competitive lineup capable of excelling in the regional tournament. Fiji finds itself in Group B, set to face tough competitors Vanuatu and PNG Red.
Previous reports on Fiji’s football landscape have highlighted the evolving opportunities for emerging players, particularly following the absence of notable veterans like goalkeeper Jerome Narayan and the 2024 Footballer of the Year, Ratu Tevita Waranaivalu, who are unavailable for this tournament. Their absence paves the way for younger players like Prasad, Rabo, and Naresh to seize the moment and gain essential international experience.
As the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup draws closer, the excitement surrounding these young athletes continues to grow. Their potential contributions to the national team not only hold promise for this tournament but also signify a crucial moment in the ongoing development of football in Fiji. This tournament presents a valuable opportunity for them to showcase their talents and may mark the beginning of their significant roles in the future success of Fijian football.