The match is the first of a pair of friendlies between the teams as they both prepare for the upcoming Pacific Games, set to take place in New Caledonia during August and September.
Vanuatu arrive in Fiji on the way home from undertaking a similar tour of the Solomon Islands, during which they lost 2-1 and drew 0-0 in matches against the national side.
Coach Saby Natonga has a youthful team to work with and will be keen to see his players continue the progress they have made in recent weeks. But Fiji have a squad packed full of experienced campaigners and will provide a stern examination of Vanuatu’s abilities.
Team director Anil Sharma believes the Fiji line-up contains plenty of talent but insists his men will not be taking their opponents lightly.
“Vanuatu is bringing a very good side,” he says.
“But our squad does not lack quality players either. The boys have been training well and have shown a good attitude.
“This is part of our preparation for the Pacific Games and it’s a good chance to gauge the players.”
The fixture also offers fans in Labasa – a town located in Macuata Province, in the north-eastern part of the island of Vanua Levu – the rare chance to witness international football first hand and Sharma says they should jump at the opportunity.
“I urge the northern fans to come out in numbers and support the national side as we are playing for the entire country,” he says.
Rewa goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau has been chosen to captain the side by acting coach Gurjit Singh and will be assisted by vice-captain Pita Bolaitoga.
Policeman Tamanisau, 29, made his international debut in the 2003 Pacific Games and helped Rewa to victories in the Battle of the Giants and Inter District Championship last season. He continued his fine form this year, playing a key role as Rewa claimed the inaugural Champions League and Fiji FACT titles.
“I have a lot of faith in Simi,” Sharma says.
“He’s one of those players who brings a lot to the team. He always plays with a lot of heart and that’s something I want to see in all the players.
“Simi has loads of experience that we feel will be vital for the national team. The players respect him and he has earned that respect from the officials as well by always displaying a high level of discipline.”
Tamanisau and Bolaitoga both played at the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup last December for Papua New Guinea outfit Hekari United, as did Ba trio and fellow national squad members Alvin Singh, Malakai Tiwa and Tuimasi Manuca.
The friendly international between Fiji and Vanuatu takes place on Wednesay at Subrail Park from 7pm.
Fiji squad for Vanuatu matches
Goalkeepers
Simione Tamanisau (Rewa)
Benaminio Mateinaqara (Navua)
Akuila Mataisuva (Labasa)
Defenders
Taniela Waqa (Labasa)
Seveci Rokotakala (Navua)
Jone Vesikula (Ba)
Alvin Singh (Ba)
Archie Watkins (Rewa)
Posiano Kalisito (Rewa)
Esava Samudere (Suva)
Samuela Kautoga (Labasa)
Lorima Dau (Navua)
Remeuru Takiata (Ba)
Pene Erenio (Navua)
Peniame Drova (Rewa)
Sandeep Nair (Labasa)
Midfielders
Malakai Tiwa (Ba)
Alvin Avinesh (Lautoka)
Joshua Wilson (Rewa)
Avinesh Waran Suwamy (Ba)
Maciu Dunadamu (Labasa)
Arvindra Naidu (Lautoka)
Petero Dauniseka (Ba)
Rajnil Chand (Navua)
Salesh Kumar (Three Kings United, New Zealand)
Petero Dauniseka (Ba)
Pranil Chand (Navua)
Strikers
Eran Underwood (Nadroga)
Jesoni Takala (Navua)
Joseph Mishra (Navua)
Ratu Veresa Toma (Rewa)
Roy Krishna (Waitakere United, New Zealand)
Tuimasi Manuca (Ba)
Jone Salauneune (Tavua)
Samuela Drudru (Nadroga)
Pita Bolaitoga (Labasa)
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