Two key players of the Fiji soccer team that were under a cloud of doubt for the 2010 World Cup qualifier against New Zealand have been declared fit and cleared for the encounter.

Seasoned Ba striker Josaia Bukalidi and rugged Navua defender Rajnil Chand passed their medical examination yesterday and joined the team in its training runs bringing smiles to Coach Carlos Buzzetti who was earlier worried over the injuries to his key players.

They also played featured in the friendly match against the Fiji U20 team which was played in four spells with the aim basically to work on the fitness of the senior squad.

Adding further good news to the coaching panel is the speedy recovery of sensational Ba striker Maciu Dunadamu who is ranked among the top strikers in the country.

“I am happy the players are showing positive signs in training and have recovered well for the match, said Buzzetti.

“The players are giving their best with the coaching panel focusing more on the fitness aspect of preparations as majority of the players haven’t played for the past month or so.

“Except for the Ba players who have been training for the O League, the rest of the boys haven’t played since the IDC and have been taken through the drills in training to regain their form before the match.

“New Zealand as usual will be very fit and should not be underestimated as they have a fairly good side with players currently active in their local competitions while our local football calendar has completed” he added.

Fiji faces the All Whites next Wednesday at Churchill Park in Lautoka and the final 18 for the match will be on Wednesday morning.

The match kicks off at 6pm.

The Fiji Squad:
Simione Tamanisau, Filimone Bolatawa, Benaminio Mateinaqara, Alvin Singh, Malakai Keinahewe, Ilaitia Nukurawa, Peni Finau, Malakai Waqa, Salesh Kumar, Roy Krishna, Pita Bolaitoga, Maciu Dunadamu, Jone Vono Junior, Osea Vakatalesau, Tuimasi Manuca, Malakai Tiwa, Rajneel Chand, Josaia Bukalidi, Niumaia Tagi, Valerio Nawatu, Esava Naqeleca,Shameel Rao, Samuela Vula.

Fijilive

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