But he is far from expecting an easy ride against Fiji’s first-up opponents and knows the side must be at its best to secure the points.
“Tahiti will be a very strong team and, since it is the first game, both sides will be out for a victory,” he says.
“We have been grouped in a very competitive pool with sides like Tahiti and Papua New Guinea and we cannot afford to underestimate any opponent. But we will certainly be out for a win in our first match.”
Fiji have warmed up for the event with several friendly matches against Vanuatu and Samoa respectively but Singh admits he would have preferred a busier build-up.
“I would have liked to have played a few more games,” he says.
“We will be up against some sides that have been preparing since last year. In comparison to them, we have had a very short time to prepare. It will be a huge task for us but I’m backing the boys to stand up and meet the challenge.”
Singh’s charges should at least not be short of confidence after comprehensively winning their final pre-event hit-outs, a pair of 3-0 and 5-1 triumphs over Samoa.
Their opening Pacific Games match takes place against Tahiti on Saturday at Stade Boewa in Boulari.
Fiji are in Group B and will go on to meet Kiribati, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea in that order.
For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj

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