FORMER Fiji skipper Esala Masi’s last minute attempt to be included in the side for the South Pacific Games didn’t eventuate as coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti named a relative predictable 24-men
squad.

Masi along with injured defender Apisalome Turuva were the two big names to miss out.

Masi who due to an injured pulled out of the two matches against New Zealand XI in the “Football for Life” held last week had contacted the Fijian management showing his willingness to play at
SPG.

However Fiji team director Mohammed Yusuf said Masi didn’t meet the criteria set.

“The selection criteria submitted to FASANOC was followed and that was why Esala Masi missed out because he should have at least attended one trial and a fitness test,” Yusuf said.

Buzzetti said he didn’t want to take any risks with injuries and couldn’t take any player he hadn’t seen.

“We can’t add Esala Masi to the list and he has also been injured and been having treatment,” Buzzetti said.

Turuva who is a former Fiji under 20 international is having problems with his back and Yusuf said while the Labasa player could play, he wasn’t fully fit.

Meanwhile, Fiji’s “Golden Boots”, Roy Krishna was named in the 24 after scoring the lone goal in the 1-0 win over Jonathon Gould coached NZ XI on Sunday in Lautoka.

With the final 20 players to be named on Saturday by Buzzetti, Krishna, his team mate Maciu Dunadamu, Ba forward and former Natabua High School sprinter Osea Vakatalesau and New Zealand-based Pita
Rabo are four of the fastest men in the side and are joined by another fast man Josaia Bukalidi upfront.

This is dubbed as one of the fastest ever strike force which Fiji has named and could provide a big threat for any defence in Samoa.

Also missing the cut are the likes of Australia-based Raj Kumar, Wairarapa United midfield Laisiasa Vosailagi, Robert Wise, Shalen Lal and under 20 skipper Esava Naqeleca.

Overseas-based players apart from Rabo include Sailesh Kumar and Petero Dauniseka.

Goalkeepers Simione Tamanisau, Ben Amino and Shamal Kumar will battle for the two spots which are up for grabs for the stoppers.

Buzzetti said the two matches against NZ XI gave him an opportunity to test his players and get the overseas and local player to play together and build a combination.

“This was the first time all these players played together and by the second match there was a lot of improvement in combination and the style of play,” Buzzetti said.

“I would have liked to have three or four more games before the SPG but we just had two games.”

He said the SPG will be tough and the defence of the gold will be tougher but that wouldn’t stop Fiji from retaining the top status in the South Pacific.

“We all have to remember this is not just a gold medal race but also a place in the World Cup qualifiers is at stake,” he said.

Waitakere United’s new Fijian signing Roneel Kumar is expected to anchor the midfield.

“Apart from the fast striker force the midfield players of Roneel Kumar, Pita Bolaitoga and Sailesh Kumar will play instrumental roles,” Yusuf said.

“Our defence also has the height and we have a mix of players who offer us everything to win the gold in Samoa,” he said.

“There will be one goalkeeper and three players named as non traveling reserves on Saturday.”

Ba’s Peni Finau will skipper the side and will be assisted by Rabo.

Team: Shamal Kumar, Ben Amino, Simione Tamanisau, Taniela Waqa, Salesh Kumar, Peni Finau, Malakai Kenahewe, Inosi Cava, Samuela Vula, Lorima Dau, Avinesh Swamy, Viliame Toma, Waisake Sabutu, Petero
Daunisaka, Roneel Kumar, Pita Bolaitoga, Malakai Tiwa, Alvin Avinesh, Thomas Vulivuli, Josaia Bukalidi, Osea Vakatalesau, Roy Krishna, Maciu Dunadamu, Pita Rabo.

*Four to be excluded on Saturday.