Two New Zealand-based players will represent Fiji at the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup.
Auckland United goalkeeper Aydin Mustahib (18) and Coastal Spirit forward Apisai Rabuka (18) have been named in the 21-player squad for the tournament that starts in Argentina on May 20.
Mustahib joined Auckland United from Manukau United last year after coming through the junior ranks at Papatoetoe United.
Rabuka was a late inclusion, joining the Fiji squad during their Gold Coast tour used to prepare for the World Cup.
He told FBC News: “It’s not something I thought I’d be doing but I’m super grateful. I don’t know; it just never came to my head one day that I’d be playing for Fiji.
This means a lot me. It’s obviously a dream come true, it’s what everyone dreams of doing, and I still can’t believe to this day that it’s actually happening.”
Fiji play in a group with the United States, Ecuador and Slovakia.
Head coach Bobby Mimms says Fiji are not going to Argentina to make the numbers up.
He told FBC News: “We are going to go there and we are going to be competitive, we like to think we are organized, we are fit and we go some really good talent in the team so we think we can cause a few teams a few problems.”
Main photo: The Fiji squad that’s heading to Argentina. Photo credit: Fiji FA.
Fiji’s U-20 World Cup fixtures
Game to be played on Sunday May 21, 2023 (NZT)
Fiji v Slovakia
Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, San Juan, 9am (NZT)
Game to be played on Wednesday May 24, 2023 (NZT)
United States v Fiji
Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, San Juan, 6am (NZT)
Game to be played on Saturday May 27, 2023 (NZT)
Fiji v Ecuador
Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades, Santiago del Estoro, 6am
Fiji
1 Aydin Mustahib (Auckland United, New Zealand)
2 Peter Ravitisai (Rewa)
3 Eneriko Matau (Nadi)
4 Abudullah Aiyas (Bonnyrig Eagles, Australia)
5 Sakiusa Saqiri (Tavua)
6 Thomas Dunn (Navua)
7 Arshad Khan (Macarthur, Australia)
8 Joshua Laqeretabua (Charlton Athletic, England)
9 Faazil Ali (Ba)
10 Nabil Begg (Ba)
11 Gulam Razool (Ba)
12 Clarence Hussain (Labasa)
13 Joji Vuakaca (Labasa)
14 Apisai Rabuka (Coastal Spirit, New Zealand)
15 Sailasa Ratu (Tavua)
16 Geary Gubu (Tailevu Naitasiri)
17 Mohammed Raheem (Ba)
18 Samuela Navoce (Ba)
19 Junior Dekedeke (Lautoka)
20 Isikeli Sevanaia (Nadroga)
21 Sterling Vasconcellos (Lautoka)
Head of delegation
Ravindra Swamy
Head coach
Robert Mimms
Assistant coaches
Ronil Lal
Marika Rodu
Team manager
Kartik Reddy
Kit manager
Oliver Small
Physiotherapist
Varoon Karan
Team doctor
Mousheen Khan
Match schedule
More about the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup
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