Brothers Anish Khem and Ashnil Raju are ready to don the Digicel National Football jumper at the FIFA World Cup 2022™ OFC preliminary competition in Qatar next month.

It will be the first time for the two to share a football pitch together at an international stage which has been something they’ve always dreamt of.

The Bula Boys squad consists of a mixture of international and local based players who have built a strong connection since their selection into the team.

But the unique bond between the two Labasa-born brothers is a remarkable one where they are not only rivals against each other but also a great support to each other.

“I think for us it’s more like teammates because there is a professional understanding between us,” said older brother Anish Khem said Fijilive

“It means a lot to attain the national jumper for Fiji and represent our family, friends and our country. Both my brother and sacrificed a lot to reach here. It wasn’t easy for the both of us.”

“I learn from him and he learns from me. It’s a two way thing that keeps us both connected.”

“We both may be playing for different districts while we can be rivals in the local competition but that doesn’t mean we are rivals when we play for the same team.”

“For me he is a good and responsible soccer player because he has some better skills and talents than me. I take that as a motivation and a challenge to learn some football tactics from him.”

“I was confident to get my selection since I really worked hard to be part of the Fiji team and I’m just so grateful to be chosen amongst the many.”

“My wife Ashneet told me that I and my younger brother got selected. It was a joyous and surprising moment that we both got selected which is a really proud moment for our family.”

“My personal aim at the qualifiers is to create opportunities and of course to score goals to win.”

“I credit my success to a lot of people- first God without whom I wouldn’t reach here and also my family, my wife and daughter and my brother. They all have always encouraged me.”

Younger brother Ashnil Raju who is also a midfielder for the Babasiga Lions was not only surprised but also emotional for his selection.

“I did not expect to be chosen but it was a surprise and a very different moment.”

“I was really excited because I got to play alongside my older brother. I’m really proud of that.”

“Words can’t express how much I’ve learnt through Anish because he is a good competitor and also a good adviser.”

“He was always there whenever I needed him and even during our camp he would tell me some good football techniques which I apply even now.”

“We both have struggled really hard and I believe finally it has paid off. Our selection comes with great responsibility and we will try to do our best at the qualifiers.”

“For me the hardest part would be leaving my family and especially my wife who is pregnant and her due date is next month. It will be hard for both of us but she encouraged me to put the country pride first. I’m  thankful to her,” said an emotional Raju.

In Qatar Fiji will face New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia in Group B.