Coach Usenio Logaivau named a 25-member squad in June but has now cut that figure down to the final 20 after his charges competed in the women’s tournament of the Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants this month.
Five uncapped players have made the cut – Joyce Naceva, Sofi Diyalowai, Koleta Boraqa, Maria Lewavuni and Australian-based Vanisha Kumar – while Raijieli Lewasoqevula has been named captain.
The squad will get its last hit out before the Games campaign with two matches against Samoa, whose men’s and women’s teams have both arrived in Fiji for a short tour.
Logaivau’s side played three matches during the Battle of the Giants and came through the tournament with a perfect record, beating South 1-0, West 3-0 and Combine 1-0.
“I was happy with our performances,” he says.
“The drills and techniques we worked on during our training sessions went well in the matches but I believe the girls need to bring more intensity into their game.”
The Fiji women returned from the last Pacific Games in Samoa four years ago with a bronze medal and Logaivau says the current crop are focused on bettering that result in New Caledonia.
“The Pacific Games are just a few days away and we will be bringing our training intensity down as this is recovery time now. I am hoping none of the players get injured against Samoa but it will be a good chance for them to experience international competition, especially for the new caps.”
The first match against Samoa takes place this morning from 11am while the respective men’s teams from each country will do battle at 1pm. Both games take place at Thomson Park in Navua.
Fiji women’s squad for Pacific Games
Goalkeepers
Kolora Sucu (Rewa)
Matelita Vuakoso Natavo (Labasa)
Defenders
Ane Maria Vuetiverata (Rewa)
Joyce Tuinukunuku Naceva (Nadroga)
Laijipa Daini Rasaku (Ba)
Maria Sarafina Lewavuni (Ba)
Marica Tuirogo Ratuki (Rewa)
Raijieli Lewasoqevula (Nasinu)
Reene Maria Biautubu (Ba)
Salote Maria Yaya (Labasa)
Midfielders
Adi Koleta Boraqa (Navua)
Bela Ratubalavu (Navua)
Viniana Riwai Naisaluwaki (Labasa)
Shirlyn Pryadhasahna Singh (Suva)
Stella Georgina Naivalulevu (Rakiraki)
Strikers
Kurukaba Ligavola Kaibau (Navua)
Sofi Diyalowai Vunibola (Labasa)
Vanisha Karishma Kumar (Marconi, Australia)
Virisila Frances Lauta (Navua)
For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj

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