Coach Intiaz Khan has also revealed that Labasa striker Maciu Dunadamu, a newcomer to the beach version of the code, will assist Mateinaqara as Fiji gear up for their opening match of the Oceania qualifiers against Solomon Islands tomorrow.
The focused Mateinaqara says he is delighted to captain his country for the first time and can’t wait to lead the team out against the defending champions, a clash which also acts as the opening game of the tournament.
Mateinaqara has some experience of captaincy after leading the Navua district side but admits being a skipper at international level will be an unfamiliar feeling.
“This is something new for me,” he says.
“I was vice-captain of the national U-20 side a few years back but being given this opportunity now is a huge honour for me. It will be a real challenge but I believe the team bonding we have amongst the boys is a bonus for us.”
Mateinaqara is urging the nation’s football fans to get behind the team as they look to qualify for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, to be held in Ravenna, Italy during September.
“We would like to dedicate these playoffs to the fans and general public,” he says.
“The team needs your support and prayers to do well in Tahiti. We will face an uphill battle from our first match but we will take things as they come and then focus ahead.”
The Fiji squad for the OFC Beach Soccer Championship is as follows:
1. Beniamino MATEINAQARA (GK), 2. Shailendra BUISENA, 4. Josh DUGUCAGI, 5. Luke RAWADAMU, 6. Raju RATAN, 7. Veresa TOMA, 8. Epeli SAUKURU, 9. Sandeep NAIR, 10. Archie WATKINS, 11. Sanaila DAKAICA, 13. Maciu DUNADAMU, 20. Sheik MOSHIN (GK)
Coach: Intiaz KHAN
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