And coach Initiaz Khan has named nine new players who will be making their debut for the national beach soccer side. The three survivors from the national side which participated during the 2009 playoffs are goalie Beniamino Mateinaqara, Sandeep Nair and Shalen Buisena.#The 2011 OFC beach soccer playoffs will be played from the 23nd of February to 27th with Fiji featuring in the opening match of the world cup playoffs against defending champions Solomon Islands.# Khan says they are out to better their results from the 2009 event where Fiji lost all their four matches. #“We have finalised the 12-member squad and now our focus is entirely on the beach soccer playoffs. A world cup spot is at stake and we will try our best to do the country proud. These 12 players selected have shown a lot of commitment joining the national side in such a short notice after many of the original squad members failed to show up. #“A total of nine players will for the first time be playing beach soccer at an international level and I’m sure they will do well. The three players from the 2009 event know what to expect and they have been sharing their knowledge with the other players,” Khan said. #The national side has shifted camp to Sigatoka this week and will prepare for few more days before flying out on Sunday. #Final 12-member squad: Beniamino Mateinaqara (Navua), Sheik Moshin (Navua), Ratu Veresa Toma (Rewa), Archie Watkins (Rewa), Epeli Saukuru (Rewa), Rajnesh Raju (Navua), Maciu Dunadamu (Labasa), Sandeep Nair (Labasa), Luke Rawadamu (Nadroga), Sanaila Cagaica (Nadroga), Shalen Buisena (Suva), Ratu Josefata Dugucagi (Nadi)#2011 OFC Beach Soccer Playoffs Fixtures #February 23: Fiji vs Solomon Islands; Vanuatu vs Tahiti#February 24: Fiji vs Tahiti; Solomon Islands vs Vanuatu#February 25: Fiji vs Vanuatu; Solomon Islands vs Tahiti#February 27: Third –Fourth playoffs ; Grand Final#
Fiji finalise beach soccer squad
