“We still have a few days ahead of us and our plan is to make use of this time as we will shortly be wrapping up our preparations,” he says.
“A spot at the FIFA Futsal World Cup is at stake in this year’s event so there is no doubt it will be very competitive. But the Fiji team will be out there to make the country proud.”
A total of eight nations will take part in this year’s event in Suva from May 16 to 20 and the winner will go on to represent Oceania at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012.
Fiji has been drawn in Group A with New Zealand, Vanuatu and Kiribati while Group B contains Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Tahiti and Tuvalu. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the semi-finals and the winners of those matches will meet each other in the grand final.
Khan is appealing to the Fijian public to get behind the side as it bids to make the World Cup for the first time.
“I would like to request for the fans to come out in numbers to support us,” he says. “We have a golden opportunity to qualify for the World Cup and the public’s support will be a great boost to the boys.”
Fiji have a score to settle with New Zealand after losing 6-4 to the Futsal Whites at last year’s event, although Fiji did go on to pip their rivals to second place.
Khan says getting off to a good start with be vital to the eventual outcome of his charges’ campaign.
“The first game of the tournament for any team is very important. It helps in planning ahead for the remaining matches and, at the same time, gives the players a chance to go out there and adapt to the conditions,” he says.
“New Zealand will be no walkover and will come up with a strong challenge. We cannot afford to underestimate any teams and New Zealand is no exception.”
Defensive lynchpin Sandeep Nair thinks concentration will be the key to Fiji finally shaking off their tag of bridesmaids and earning a first ever title.
The Labasa-based player was not involved in the 2010 edition due to injury but will be taking part in his third OFC Futsal Championship.
“Based on my past experiences, I have noticed that we tend to lose focus when we are under pressure,” he says. “This is a major contributing factor and I believe we need to stay focused and play until the final whistle.”
Khan has had to make a slight change to his squad after goalkeeper Emori Ragata was omitted for discplinary reasons. Josaia Ratu, a member of last year’s squad, has slotted in to replace him.
“Ragata broke camp and went to play for Suva in the National Football League without consent,” Khan says. “No players were released to feature for their districts as we did not want to risk any injuries to our players. Josaia Ratu is in camp now and I would like to thank him for coming in at such short notice.”
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