15 Feb 2016

Sport: Competition fierce for Fiji Football's Olympic hopefuls

12:45 pm on 15 February 2016

Competition for places in Fiji's Olympic football squad remains fierce less than six months out from the Rio Games.

The team completed a six-game tour of Spain last month and will play a further four games in Brazil in April.

Goalkeeper Shaneel Naidu, defenders Praneel Naidu and Kolinio Sivoki and striker Christopher Wasasala have been added to the 21-man squad, which returns to camp today.

Fiji FA vice-president and national team director Taranesh Reddy said the new faces will add to the competition for places, which is especially pronounced among the overage players, with only three spots available for players over 23.

"We took five senior players with us to Spain and the coaches had a pool of players to look into so it was a bit hard for them to decide which three players will come in, but definitely Roy [Krishna] will come in. The options are still open who will make it in and we are going to the Brazil tour in April and we will be taking some senior players with us, so the coaches can have a look at it, and the final decision will be made after the Brazil tour in early May."

Taranesh Reddy said Roy Krishna, who is recovering from an ankle injury, is expected to join Fiji for the Brazil tour depending on whether Wellington Phoenix qualify for the playoffs in the Australian A-League.

The Fiji Under 23 team before their tour match against Castellon FC.

The Fiji Under 23 squad on tour in Spain. Photo: Fiji FA Media

Fiji Under 23 Squad:

Setariki Waganitoga Huges

Anish Khem

Misiwane Nairube

Kolinio Vakarauvanua Sivoki

Jale Dreloa

Samuela Nabenia

Antonio Tuivuna

Iosefo Verevou

Rusiate Matarerega

Christopher Frances Wasasala

Ratu Tevita Waranaivalu

Filipe Baravilala

Garish Henry Prasad

Napolioni Qasevakatini

Sakaraia Naisua

Nickel Chand

Praneel Naidu

Ratu Savenaca Robosenawainibuka Nakalevu

Tevita Kalisito Cakau Koroi

Shaneel Naidu

Manasa Nawakula