The talent-packed line-up includes Ba players Alvin Singh, Avinesh Waran Suwamy, Malakai Kanihewe, Jone Vesikula, Malakai Tiwa and Tuimasi Manuca, who all missed the recent two-match series against Vanuatu as they were on tour with Ba in Canada.
They will be joined by seven Labasa players – Alvin Avinesh, Maciu Dunadamu, Pita Bolatoga, Taniela Waqa, Samuela Kautoga, Roy Krishna and Ilaitia Tuilau – while three players each from the Navua and Rewa clubs have also made the cut.
Esava Naqeleca, who was named player of the tournament at the just-completed Battle of the Giants, is the lone Suva player in the squad.
Five non-travelling reserves have also been named in case of any injuries.
The Battle of the Giants took place last week in Nausori but Sharma says performances during the tournament, won for a record fifth consecutive time by Rewa, had little bearing on the final selections.
“I would like to clarify that the national squad was not selected on the basis of the Battle of the Giants,” Sharma says. “The selection process began during the Inter District Championship last season and since then players have been monitored during zonal training and other tournaments.
“We worked under the guidelines set by FASANOC [Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee] whereby we submitted a 35-member list. The national coaches then worked with these players and eventually trimmed the squad down to the final 20.
“There were some outstanding talents on show during the Battle of the Giants but it came a little too late as we had to work with the list we submitted. But these players will no doubt be considered for events such as the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and other international matches.”
The team will round off its preparations for the Pacific Games this week with a two-match series against Samoa, the first of which takes place tomorrow at Ratu Cokabau Park in Nausori from 6pm. The game will be preceded by a clash between the Fiji and Samoa women’s national sides, which kicks off at 4pm.
Fiji squad for XIV Pacific Games
Alvin Singh
Avinesh Waran Swamy
Jone Vesikula
Malakai Tiwa
Malakai Kainihewe
Tuimasi Manuca
Alvin Avinesh
Roy Krishna
Taniela Waqa
Pita Bolatoga
Ilaitia Tuilau
Samuela Kautoga
Maciu Dunadamu
Pene Erenio
Beniamino Mateinaqara
Seveci Rokotakala
Esava Naqeleca
Simione Tamanisau
Lorima Dau
Epeli Saukuru
Non-travelling reserves:
Akuila Mateisuva
Posiano Kalisito
Peniame Drova
Arvindra Naidu
Archie Watkins
For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj

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