Welcome to Fijilive Sports - Buzzetti races against time

Fiji soccer coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti is racing against time to assemble his team for the home and away World Cup Qualifier matches against Vanuatu early next month.

While local players will march into camp this weekend, there is still no word on the availability of overseas-based players.

Crafty Fiji U23 midfielder Shivan Samy has been ruled out after sustaining a severe injury in Australia while former Captain Peni Finau and Shalesh Kumar are yet to contact team management.

Buzzetti hopes to assemble his full squad on the weekend.

“The team will undergo strict training because we want to win the two matches against Vanuatu and the remaining one against New Zealand in November to better our ranking,” said Buzzetti.

“Vanuatu is a very physical team filled with some very skilful and talented players. I am confident of our chance and will prepare the boys accordingly for the two matches,” he added.

“Our squad comprises of some very young players that will be getting their big break on the national level and I see this as the best opportunity to utilize the talents of our youngsters and showcase them to the world.

“We have selected the best squad around and if players combine well then we will be a force to be reckoned with” he added.

Fiji is out of the qualifiers and sits with a single point on the standings after a draw and two losses.

Fiji lost to New Zealand and New Caledonia 2-0 and 4-0 while it managed to draw 3-all with New Caledonia in Ba last year.

Fiji will face Vanuatu at Govind Park in Ba on September 6. The return leg will be played in Port Vila on September 10.

Fiji’s final match will be against New Zealand on November 19 in Fiji.

Fijilive

Bamydust
Wednesday, August 27 2008
I think FFA also need a good clean up. everytime lame excuse by executives. and on top of this the big guy is the lier there. The coach nows very well that there will be a national game in September, he should have done his homework prior to the game say 2 to 3 months before. I think FFA should rething and hire local coach, like Yogen Dutt, Anand Sami.They have shown good work for the local soccer.

nilsfj
Wednesday, August 27 2008
Was he sleeping until now. FFA is never organized in the first place and they come with all these kind of excuses. They should always have plan B and C and never rely on overseas based players. There are plenty local talent which can be used. National team sponsors should come hard on these executives who hard paid big dollars but don't do their job.

papussy
Wednesday, August 27 2008
yeh tru that. the fixtures for all the qualifyng matches were out ages ago. the coach and management should have been ready..
stop bringing excuses mr. buzetti!!

sanjeet2000
Thursday, August 28 2008
Whats the point Fiji is out anyways.
lack of time thats always his excuse he should be fired.

balwant
Friday, August 29 2008
All lame excuses this is the way FA runs.This is an excuse if they loose.The National coach has all year long to gather his squad for training through-out the year and keep the team ready.Sack him get somebody who is serious and can do a better job.He has failed in the past anyway.Why is he being paid to occupy an office if his job is out in the field.Doc Sahu Khan do some work for the big salary that you command.