London-based Peter Ravai is confident Digicel national under 19 team will cause some major upsets at the OFC Under 19 Championship in Tahiti next month.
The 18-year-old, who has been in the country from the beginning of the year and was part of the national team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Qatar said despite not having much international exposure, the players are ready to give their all.
“This is a very young squad but I think the team is very good in all departments.”
“We have players in our team who like to play rough, we have players in our team who do anything for the team and I feel like this team is very strong in all departments.”
“Might be a scout watching here or there, so you always got to perform like it’s your last game. Just believe in the boys, it’s a young squad and we know Fiji Football is been going through ups and downs but I’m telling you now that this squad can cause upset in Tahiti and we will make you proud. I promise.”
“I haven’t seen this much desire in a team before to make Fiji proud. It’s a big honor.”
Ravai added the Qatar trip gave him a lot of experience and much-needed exposure to do his best with the Under 19 after witnessing games of players like experienced Chris Wood of New Zealand.
“Originally I came for the Under 20’s but I got called up for the big team and I finally got in.”
“It was a big achievement for me. Another big step for me and my family. And to even get in the Under 20s now is just another step in my career to show my ability and show people in Fiji what I can bring to this team and cause a big upset in Tahiti and hopefully qualify and make Fiji proud.”
“It was a lifetime opportunity to even go to Qatar. Even watching the games against New Zealand like for example Chris Wood. He’s playing in the Premier League right now.”
“I just watch it like they were just amazing and you take a lot of tips on how to defend like players who are playing in the big leagues overseas and I can only put that in my game and grow as a player.”
“I’m very excited to make my debut for the national team. It’s been a long time coming. I know my parents back home in the UK, they wanted me to come back but they know that I’m here for a reason. I just can’t wait to go back to my parents and my family here in Fiji as well.”
“I just want to thank God for giving me this opportunity to showcase my talent to the nation. if we do qualify, my aim is to go as far as possible because you never know who is watching in the World Cup,” he added.
