Fiji announces call-up for international friendly matches

It has been announced that Marika Rodu, the head coach of the Fiji Premier League club, Rewa, has been called up to lead the national team for three international friendly matches this month. The matches will be held in Lautoka and will see the Bula Boys taking on Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and the Fiji U-20 side, which is preparing for the U-20 World Cup.

The call-up is an exciting opportunity for Rodu, who has a wealth of experience in coaching and has led Rewa to several impressive performances in domestic competitions. The coach has taken up the spot in the national team in an interim basis. The team selected for the matches will include only Fiji-based players, with some key names such as Akuila Mateisuva from Rewa, Remueru Tekiate from Suva, and Sairusi Nalaubu from Lautoka.

The squad will also include some new names, such as Nadi’s goalkeeper Tevita Ravia, Navua’s defender Matthew Charitar, and Ba’s midfielder Etonia Dogalau. The selection of these players shows that Rodu is looking to give some new talent a chance to prove themselves on the international stage.

Experienced players such as Dave Radrigai, Samuela Drudru, Gabriele Matanisiga, and Setareki Hughes have also been named in the squad. Their presence will undoubtedly bring a level of stability and leadership to the team. You can see the complete squad of Fiji by clicking here.

Overall, the call-up of Marika Rodu and the selection of this squad for the international friendlies signals an exciting new chapter for Fiji football. With some promising new players in the mix and experienced heads to guide them, the Bula Boys will be looking to put on some impressive performances and build towards a bright future for the national team, looking for the FIFA 2026 World Cup cycle and this year’s Pacific Games.