Fiji Football Association Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf believes the current Junior Bula Boys have an opportunity to create history and show the football world that Fiji means business.
Speaking during the official presentation of the Fiji U19 Men’s National Team, Yusuf said the squad assembled for the OFC U19 Men’s Championship in Samoa had the quality and depth to challenge for qualification to the FIFA U20 World Cup.
“This is your chance. This is your chance to prove to the world that these Fijians mean business,” Yusuf told the players.
He said the inclusion of nine overseas-based players in the 23-member squad was a significant development for Fiji football.
“For the first time, a Fijian national team has nine overseas-based players. Fiji FA has opened the doors to former Fijians who have migrated overseas and whose children have come through structured development programmes.
“If anybody has a Fijian passport, we will reach out to them. We want the best and we want to create the opportunity for them to be part of this national team.”
Yusuf said the mixture of overseas-based talent, local players and those exposed to a professional environment through Bula FC had strengthened the squad.
He said several members of the team had already experienced the Bula FC environment, providing them with an opportunity previous generations of young Fijian footballers did not have.
“You are the living example. There are four Bula FC players in this team. The coach has developed them and they are now part of this team.
“It is a great opportunity. Nobody previously had these opportunities.”
Yusuf also reflected on Fiji’s previous appearances at the FIFA U20 World Cup and challenged the latest generation to follow in their footsteps.
Fiji made its FIFA U20 World Cup debut in 2015 in New Zealand before returning to the global stage in Argentina in 2023.
He said the current squad now had the opportunity to establish its own identity and add another chapter to Fiji football history.
“This team is historically significant. Some of these players come from families with a proud football history and the legacy continues,” Yusuf said.
Yusuf believes the Junior Bula Boys should approach the tournament with confidence, including when they face regional powerhouse New Zealand.
“This is the first time we have a chance to go out and face New Zealand and beat them in the pool game.
“So guys, you need to prove everybody else wrong, prove the critics wrong, by beating New Zealand, topping your pool and qualifying for the World Cup in 2027.”
The Junior Bula Boys will travel to Samoa determined to secure Fiji’s third qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup
