The U20 International Invitational Tournament in Indonesia was a learning experience for the Digicel Junior Bula Boys says team manager Kartik Reddy.
The Fiji U20 side was defeated 0-4 against host Indonesia U20, 1-3 against Guatemala U20, and 0-3 against New Zealand U20 in the four-nation tournament in Jakarta.
Reddy said the tournament has provided the coaching staff an opportunity to test the players against competitive teams as all teams which participated in the tournament have already gained a spot in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
“As we conclude the three-match tour, there are a lot of lessons learned from this tour and areas which the coaching staff will be working on in order to build a competitive team for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
“Playing top teams in the build-up to the World Cup provides an opportunity for the playing squad to build confidence and adapt to the different game situations.
“We have 86 days to go for the Word Cup and the team will continue to work accordingly to the plan set up by Head Coach Rodolfo Zapata and his staff,” said Reddy
Reddy said they knew what was expected in the FIFA U20 World Cup.
“We must be realistic that we will face top teams in the World Cup and should be mentally and physically prepared for the challenge ahead of us,” Reddy said
“Discipline is another area that will be addressed as a strong emphasis will be put on improving the decision-making of the players during pressure situations.
“As far as Pawan Singh is concerned, the player has been excluded from the squad but necessary support is being provided to him after his unwarranted actions during the tour.
He said there have been numerous calls to include Fijian players playing overseas.
“There have been a number of calls for certain overseas-based players to be included in the squad but the Immigration Laws of our country ruled out most of the players as they do not meet the necessary requirements to gain citizenship of our country.
“However, Josh Laqeretabua from Charlton Athletic and Semi Nabenu from Auckland United have been invited to the training camp and we hope to have their inclusion to boost our squad,” said Reddy
Reddy said on behalf of the Digicel Junior Bula Boys team, he would like to pass their sincere gratitude to the Football Association of Indonesia for inviting the team to participate in the PSSI Invitational Tournament in Jakarta.
“We are grateful for the opportunity and hospitality accorded during the course of the tournament,” said Reddy
“We also convey our hearty appreciation to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Fiji to the Republic of Indonesia. H.E. Amena Yauvoli and his staff for taking care of the team in the country during our stay.
The team returns back into the country on February 24.
