Team Director Rajesh Patel says the side has settled well and is gearing up for the first challenge against American Samoa 1.30pm on Saturday.
“I have had a chat with coach Hussein Sahib and all seems well. The team is in high spirits, injury free and looking forward to their first match of the playoffs against American Samoa this Saturday. After a series of warm up matches the team now moves into their official camp and later on the week we will have a management meeting with the OFC officials,” he said.
During their warm up matches the National U-17 side beat NZ Lautoka U-19 6-1, Papakura U-20 3-0 and drew 2-2 with NZ Fiji Olympians.
At the OFC U-17 playoffs, the overall winner earns a spot to the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico. Fiji is in a tough group alongside hosts NZ, American Samoa, Vanuatu and
Papua New Guinea. Group B consists of Tahiti, Tonga, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Cook Islands.
Patel also revealed that few U-17 reps could force their way in the National U-20 which participates in April.
“Right now we are focusing on the U-17 playoffs but definitely we have this on the back of our minds and take necessary steps come the U-20 OFC playoffs in April,” Patel said.
Fiji FA MEDIA
Bring on American Samoa
