The match takes place at Subrail Park in Labasa and is one of two friendlies scheduled between the sides as they look to prepare for the upcoming Pacific Games in New Caledonia.
Singh is taking on the coaching role temporarily as the Fiji Football Association decide upon a permanent appointment and is eager to make the most of his time at the helm.
“This is the first time I have been in charge of the senior side,” he says. “The good thing is that I have coached most of our players before so that will make things easier for me.”
The former national age-group coach led Lautoka through the Blues’ 2011 O-League campaign and believes that experience will come in handy tonight.
“Vanuatu is a good side but I don’t see any reason why we cannot beat them,” he says. “I guided Lautoka against Koloale and Amicale who play a similar style to Vanuatu and so know what to expect.”
The current Fiji squad has a lot to live up to. The national side posted a memorable 2-0 victory over New Zealand’s World Cup-bound All Whites in its last outing in 2009 thanks to a pair of goals from star striker Roy Krishna.
The Waitakere United speedster has been named in the starting eleven for tonight’s match and he and his team mates will be keen to avenge their 2-1 loss the last time the sides met in 2008.
The strong-looking line-up also includes Nadroga striker Eran Underwood and Rewa defender Peniame Drova, who will both make their debuts for the national side.
Team director Anil Sharma says the rookie pair will have plenty of experience around them as they take the first steps of their international careers.
“Simione Tamanisau will captain the side and he will be assisted by Pita Bolaitoga,” Sharma says. “The two last played together for Hekari United at the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup and I have full faith in them to spearhead our campaign as they are very experienced.”
Veteran Seveci Rokotakala, Pene Erenio and Taniela Waqa will also start tonight while Samuela Kautoga, Esava Naqeleca and Alvin Avinesh make up the rest of the eleven.
Debutant Underwood was a stand-out talent at the recent Vodafone Fiji FACT tournament at Churchill Park in Lautoka, during which he claimed the Golden Boot award, and will hope to transfer his good form to the international stage.
“Being drafted into the senior national side is an honour for me. All the hard work and personal training I have been doing has paid off and I would like to thank the selectors for giving me this opportunity.”
The striker is also highly likely to make the cut for the Fiji U-23 squad which will attempt to qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games, as is fellow debutant Drova.
Other players in the senior squad eligible for the Olympic team are Samuela Drudru (Nadroga), Akuila Mateisuva (Labasa), Archie Watkins (Rewa) and Esava Naqeleca (Suva).
The friendly international between Fiji and Vanuatu takes place tonight at Subrail Park from 7pm. The second match will be played on Friday at Churchill Park from 7pm.
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