Fiji Beach Soccer coach Imtiaz Khan is racing against time as he tries to build a formidable combination for the Tahiti Nui Beach Soccer 2009 World Cup Qualifiers next week.

The Fiji squad gathered in camp on Tuesday and have just a week together before flying out of the country next Monday for the four-nation qualifiers which features Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and host nation Tahiti.

“I am not expecting miracles in the qualifiers as this is the first time we will be participating in a regional tournament” said Khan.

“We did not have much time to prepare as players were committed with their districts and we cannot force them to attend training as all the players are bound by contract with their respective districts.”

“I have a good set of players with natural abilities to do well in beach football and I am expecting a good performance from the players.”

“We do not have any expert assistance and are just using videos of matches and the services of referee Farhaz Hussain who is a qualified Beach Soccer referee and will be officiating in the qualifiers.”

“Competition will be tough as all nations will be gunning for a win so they can be represented in the World Cup and we will have a slight disadvantage in being newcomers to the event but this is not a draw back for the team and we are looking forward to our matches with optimism and a positive attitude” he added.

Fiji Futsal reps Kamal Hassan and Sandeep Nair alongside evergreen Lautoka striker Salesh Sami Bula, Valerio Nawatu, Alvin Avinesh, Taniela Waqa and goalkeeper Benaminio Mateinaqara are some of the big names in the Fiji squad.

The departure of Pita Bolaitoga from the squad after he failed to obtain a visa to travel with the team will see Fiji sending only 11 players for the regional meet.

Another worry to the management is the fitness of top goalie Benaminio Mateinaqara who is down with flu and sitting out of training.

The OFC World Cup Qualifiers will be held at Temae Beach from July 27-31.

Fiji squad: Benaminio Mateinaqara, Taniela Waqa, Alvin Avinesh, Shonal Sharma, Alifereti Baleloa, Kamal Hassan, Valerio Nawatu, Shalesh Sami, Arvindra Naidu, Sandeep Nair, Shalen Buisena.