Fiji national men’s football team head coach Stephane Auvray has named a provisional 21-member squad for two international friendly matches against Vanuatu during the June FIFA Window in Port Vila.
The friendlies will serve as an important evaluation period for Auvray as he continues shaping the national side for future campaigns leading towards 2029.
Auvray said the camp would focus heavily on assessing players he has not yet worked with since taking charge of the national team.
“The main objective is to review the players who have not yet had the opportunity to play under me,” Auvray said.
“At last year’s MSG, I did not personally select the squad, so this is the first time I have the chance to do so.
“Obviously, I already know some players through Bula FC, but there are others I have not worked with or trained before. I want to allow those players to be seen and to represent the national team.”
He said the national setup was still in a building phase and supporters should understand that the long-term process remained the priority over immediate results.
“We’re building the team just like we’ve done with Bula FC,” he said.
“The difference is that we’re going to see each other two or three times a year.
“So, I don’t want fans to expect us to play those games trying to come back with a result.
“It’s really going to be games where we’re going to give players a chance. We’re going to try to find the best format, the best formations, the best setting, and the best complementarity between players to perform when it matters.”
Auvray said 2026 would be used primarily as a year of evaluation.
“At this time, performance doesn’t matter,” he said.
“What we want is to perform in the big competitions, and the biggest one will be in 2029.”
The coach also highlighted the importance of integrating Bula FC players into the national setup, saying their familiarity with his methods and professional culture would help speed up the team’s development.
“The integration of Bula FC players is good and important because we can start with the foundation,” he said.
“The players know how I work; they know what we’re looking for and the ideas we’re trying to share with them.
“Hopefully, in terms of culture and mindset, because the Bula FC players got that professionalism from the season, they will pull the players towards those expectations.”
Auvray added that the short preparation period meant the coaching staff would avoid overloading players tactically and instead focus on creating a solid base while allowing players freedom to express themselves on the field.
“We did not start the camp yet, so I hope I will be impressed during the training sessions, whether it’s a young or not so young player,” he said.
“I’ve watched a game last weekend and I’ve seen a very interesting player, so I hope that he will confirm during the training camp.
“And then we have players like Maikah, obviously, who is just 17. I’m going to try to keep giving him an environment where he can grow and express himself.”
The team will march into camp this Sunday in Ba before departing for Vanuatu for the two-match series.
The provisional squad is:
- Melvin Prakash (GK)
- Ilisoni Logaivau
- Asivorosi Rabo
- Scott Wara
- Gabiriele Matainisiga
- Semi Nabenu
- Lekima Gonerau
- Praneel Naidu
- Ivan Kumar
- Tevita Warainivalu
- Ryan Naresh
- Maikah Dau
- Josaia Sela
- Setaraki Hughes
- Solayman Mohammed
- Roy Krishna
- Rusiate Doidoi
- Zachariah Harang
- Ibraheem Afazal
- Etonia Dogalau
- Isikeli Sevanaia (GK)
