Hassan captained the national futsal side last year which finished second overall behind the champion Solomon Islands.
And the Lautoka rep will be assisted by Labasa-based Sandeep Nair who was named vice-captain during a private dinner function in Suva on Saturday night.
The 2011 OFC Futsal playoffs start Monday and conclude on Friday at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Hassan says he was honoured to skipper the national futsal side.
“It is an honour and a privilege to captain the national side again. I would like to thank the coach Mr. Intiaz Khan and the team officials who have had faith in me,” he said.
“The boys are ready for the task which lies ahead of us and we will do our best to make the country proud as we have a grand opportunity to qualify for the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand.”
Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) chief executive officer Bob Kumar reminded the players of what was at stake during the playoffs.
“It is a direct entry to the Futsal World Cup,” he said.
“The players are not playing for themselves, their districts or friends. They are playing for the country and they need to go out there and make Fiji proud. Fiji FA president Dr. Sahu Khan has been very supportive towards the side and he is optimistic that the boys can do the job.”
Fiji FA Futsal commission chairman Anil Sharma wished the side well.
“The national futsal side had faced problems getting in the players but I would like to compliment the ones who make up the final 12. They have shown pride in wearing the Fiji jumper and I would like to wish the team the best of luck,” Sharma said.
Fiji plays the last match of match day one of the 2011 OFC Futsal playoffs 7.30pm against New Zealand tomorrow.
Fiji FA MEDIA
Hassan to lead Fiji
