The nine includes Mereani Moceituba, goal keeper Matelita Vuakoso (GK), Kurukaba Ligvola, Lajipa Daini, Bella Ratubalavu, Stella Naivalulevu, Viniana Simmions, Viniana Riwai and Raijeli Lewasoqevula.
A 20-member squad was announced during a press conference at the Fiji Football Association headquarters in Suva yesterday.
National Coach Ramesh Sharma says this was the best possible side which they could have selected for the OFC Women’s Nations Cup.
“I think we have named the best possible side looking at the input from the players in the training, dedication and how they reacted to the programme. Well we started off with 45 players three months ago and we kept on eliminating names so we did not face much difficulty in the end.
“I want to congratulate the players who have been selected to represent the country. We expect the best of them,” Sharma said.
Fiji is in Group B alongside Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tonga. Host New Zealand is in Group A with Cook Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu.
Sharma rates their pool as a tough one.
“I think we are in a very tough pool but I can assure that we will be no walkover. We using this tournament as a build up to the 2011 Pacific games in New Caledonia and we will give our best to win the pool,” he said.
The National side flies out this Sunday 2pm from Nadi Airport to Auckland.
Final team: Kini Tora LB (C), Unaisi Vatulili MF (VC), Asena Ratu MF, Alisi Uluibatiki RB, Virisila Francis STR, Shirlyn Singh MF, Lice Waqaliti GK, Mereoni Uluiviti GK, Mereani Moceituba RB, Matelita Vuakoso GK, Kurukaba Ligavola STR, Lajipa Daini CB, Bella Ratubalavu MF, Stella Nauvalulevu STR, Viniana Simmons RB, Viniana Rawai MF, Lewamanu Moce LB, Yasreen Begum STR, Raijeli Lewasoqevula CB, Jijilia Dugucavanua RB
9 new caps named
