Speaking to Fiji Football News from NZ yesterday team director Sheik Ibrahim says the 23-member U20 squad has already played three warm up matches.
The National U20 played against three Auckland- based Metero FC sides.
“The boys have settled well in NZ and everyone in camp is focused for the task ahead of us. We have had a lot of support from the Fijian community here and I would like to thank Mr. Farouk Shah, Mohammed Sadiq and Iliyaz Iqbal who have been a good helping hand for us,” Ibrahim said.
“We have already played three warm up games and we won all. Our boys played against the three Metero FC sides and we won 2-1, 4-2 and 3-1. On Thursday we will play against the Saint Peters age group side.”
Fiji has been seeded in Group A with American Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
Ibrahim says the draws have been welcomed by the team management.
“The fixtures drawn I believe is a good one. It presents us with some exciting challenges.
“Everything so far is good in NZ for us and the training has been going on well. It is not as cold as we had anticipated. The players, team management are focused and just like other team participating at the playoffs our aim is to also win. We need the blessings from our fans to help us in our campaign.”
The 2011 OFC U-20 playoffs will be held from April 21 to 29th at the Center Park, Mangere in Auckland.
U20 squad
1. Akuila Mateisuva (GK), 2. Iliesa Lino (DF), 3. Krishneel Krishna (DF), 4. Joshua Tawake (DF), 5. Malakai Rakula (DF), 6. Vilitati Ratu (DF), 7. Jone Salauneune (DF), 8. Malakai Levatia (DF), 9. Misaele Draunibaka (FW), 10. Abbu Zahid (FW), 11. Ilisoni Logaivau (MF), 12. Akei Uluibau (DF), 13. Ravinesh Singh (DF), 14. Poasa Bainivalu (DF), 15. Christopher Kumar (MF), 16. Amani Makoe (DF), 17. Taione Kerevanua (MF), 18. Joseva Basudra (MF), 19. Noa Vukica (FW), 20. Epeli Loaniceva (GK), 21. Joseph Elder (MF), 22. Serupepeli Rokovoliuto (DF), 23. Apisalome Waqatabu (DF)
Fixtures for the U-20 OFC Playoffs
Match Day One:
Thursday April 21– Fiji vs. PNG; Vanuatu vs. American Samoa; New Caledonia vs. Solomon’s; New Zealand bye;
Match Day Two:
Saturday April 23– Fiji vs. Vanuatu; American Samoa vs. PNG; Solomon’s vs NZ; New Caledonia bye
Match Day Three:
Monday April 25- Fiji vs. American Samoa; PNG vs. Vanuatu; New Zealand vs New Caledonia; bye Solomons
Match Day Four:
Wednesday April 27– Winner Group A vs. Runner Up Group B; Winner Group B vs. Runner Up Group A;
Match Day Five;
Friday April 29th – 3rd vs. 4th playoffs; Grand Final
Fiji FA MEDIA
U20 settles in NZ
