The 22-member squad, along with head coach Frank Farina, departed on Friday morning bound for Myanmar, where they are scheduled to play two friendlies against the national U-20 squad.
Myanmar have been drawn against Fiji’s Oceania neighbours and hosts of the tournament New Zealand in Group A of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Fiji will then head on to Malaysia where matches have been lined up against the U-22 and U-19 squads.
The tour marks a return to the squad for former captain Jale Dreola and Iosefo Vervou, the latter having missed the qualifiers after being suspended by Fiji FA. Zane Karan Lingam of Navua has also impressed enough domestically to earn a spot on the tour.
Assistant coach Salen Lal says it is an important series of matches in the side’s build-up to the U-20 World Cup and matches against the likes of Germany, Uzbekistan and Honduras.
“We are not promising anything but the result will decide where we stand and we will be putting into practice what we have learned in training,” Lal says.
Meanwhile, recently appointed captain Seteriki Hughes says the support of local sponsors, friends and family are an important boost as they approach the final stages of their preparations.
“As you all know the team was in camp for the last three to four months and the boys are well prepared for this tour which is in front of us,” he says.
“This should be great build-up ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup for all of us.”
The side was farewelled by key sponsor Vodafone who hosted a reception ahead of their departure where Vodafone’s chief marketing officer Sanjeeva Perera urged them to become ambassadors for their country.
“As you are all aware the Fiji U-20 team created history last year when it became the first team of any age great to represent Fiji in a FIFA World Cup tournament in the 75 years of football in this country,” Perera pointed out.
“Vodafone is proud to be the brand behind the team, supporting them to perform at the highest level. This sort of exposure at international level will assist the team to build confidence and composure, it will also help our boys to level with the competition that is expected at the World Cup.
“We are quite confident and optimistic that the team will pull surprises. To the team, we are here to support you all the way – do the country proud, be responsible and become good role models to your peers.”
Fiji U-20 Asia Tour
Fiji U-20 vs. Myanmar U-20
17 and 20 February, 2015
Fiji U-20 vs. Malaysia U-22
22 February, 2015 TBC
Fiji U-20 vs. Malaysia U-19
26 February, 2015
For more on Fiji FA visit www.fijifootball.com.fj

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