The side departed on Friday for a tour of Asia, where they will take on fellow World Cup-bound Myanmar as well as Malaysia.
The side has been in camp since 11 January preparing for their “Mini World Cup” according to coach Frank Farina.
“Since the historic qualification for the U-20 World Cup the Fiji FA has left no stone unturned to help prepare this young team for a tournament that no other team in Fiji football history has ever experienced,” the former Socceroo says.
“The Myanmar tournament will be the third stage of our preparation in terms of international tours and games after the Australian and New Zealand tour for the OFC President’s Cup in late 2014.”
Myanmar, like Fiji will be making their first appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup come May, have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts New Zealand and face a tough task if they want to qualify for the next stage.
As hosts of the AFC U-19 Championship Myanmar surprised many by making it through to the semi-finals of the qualifying tournament, succeeding where the likes of Australia, Japan and Korea Republic had failed, to claim fourth place.
Under German coach Gerd Zeise the side is hoping to make the most of their opportunity on the world stage and taking on Fiji is just the beginning.
While the staff, players and fans in Fiji are hoping to get a good result against a burgeoning side, Farina reminds everyone to be realistic in their expectations.
“In terms of our U-20 team’s preparation for this world cup this is a huge opportunity to gain additional international experience,” he says.
“Whilst everyone in Fiji expects results, the brutal reality is that his is a massive step up in opposition and quality – a level never experienced
before in Fiji football history.”
Although he wants everyone to temper their expectations, Farina is urging his charges to use this opportunity to their advantage and using it to expand their knowledge, skills and experience.
“We have to embrace this fantastic opportunity and gain as much knowledge and experience from our build-up preparation as possible.”
Fiji will play to friendlies against Myanmar, the first on 17 February at 4pm in Mandalay, with a follow-up match scheduled for 20 February at
4pm, with the location for the second match yet to be confirmed.
Fiji will then head to Malaysia to play their U-22 and U-19 squads.
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