But in 37-year-old captain Pita Rabo the side from Fiji’s capital have exactly that. Like the club itself, Rabo has yet to play a match in the Champions League but his career playing in New Zealand and Fiji gives him vital expertise to share with a youthful squad ahead of a testing opener against title favourites Auckland City FC.
Rabo says the side will assess the situation after the opener against the Navy Blues. “Once we’ve played our first game I think we’ll know where we stand. The U-20 boys are a big asset for this team and I think they’ll make a big difference.”
“I’m older, so I’ll just be the mind of the team,” he laughs. “I’ll let them do the work for me.”
While Rabo admits that the tournament is going to be a learning experience – drawn also against two-time runners-up and Western United – he is looking forward to the campaign.
“We’ve never gone across to play them [top sides in the Pacific] and this is the first time we’ve qualified”, he says. “It’s a learning experience for a lot of us but the boys are ready for what’s out there. I think it’s going to be a great weekend.”
He knows that Auckland City has a wealth of experience, technical expertise and skill behind them.
“They will be approaching us with professionalism, and I think they’re going to be looking for our weaknesses. They’ve got good coaching behind them,” Rabo says. “I think the most important thing for us is that we stay patient and we do the right thing.
“Making the right decision on the ground, I think that will play a big part in the game. We need to know when we need to attack, and when we need to come back and defend.”
He predicts that his team, which features a number of Fijian youth internationals, will be up to the task.
“We’ll make mistakes but I’m here to help them and guide them through. I think we’re ready.”
Rabo expects that his guidance will largely come from his experience playing in New Zealand.
“Overseas, especially in New Zealand, they play a totally different style of football. In Fiji you play a lot of physical teams but over there it’s all about your brain and how quickly you think. We have to beat them with our heads.”
Suva are enjoying their debut in the tournament and Rabo says that the side could get used to being on the continental stage.
“I think everyone wants to be a part of it. For me, my dream was always to go out and play overseas. But this Champions League has been a blessing for all the Oceania teams, especially Fiji.
“We have a feel of it and we don’t want to let it go. We want to keep coming back every year and representing Fiji and Oceania.”
For more on Fiji football visit fijifootball.com.fj.

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