SUVA – FIJI U-23 coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti has put to rest speculation that New Zealand-based striker Osea Vakatalesau broke a training camp curfew before leaving the country to
join up with his New Zealand club.
Vakatalesau is the top contender to be named as the skipper of the Fiji Olympic Games football team which will take part in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Men’s Olympic
Football Qualifying Tournament at Churchill Park, Lautoka, from March 1.
“There is no truth in that. We had allowed Osea to leave and did his bookings,” Buzzetti said.
Vakatalesau played for his Young Heart Manawatu in the 1-4 loss to Auckland City on Saturday.
Apart from Vakatalesau and his brother Peni Finau who featured for Youngheart Manawatu, Auckland City had Fiji rep Sailesh Kumar in its ranks.
Vakatalesau will be back in the country today to join up with the Olympians.
There had also been some talks the talented striker wanted to switch to rugby after a disappointing debut performance in the New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC) with the
Palmerston North-based franchise, but Buzzetti said he had no knowledge off the youngster wanting to do so.
Local media consider Fiji has its best chance ever to qualify for the Olympics for the first time, but Buzzetti is playing down suggestions his team could spring a
surprise.
The squad will feature three overseas-based players including two currently playing for Australian clubs.
Apart from Vakatalesau, Australia-based Shivean Sami and Krishneel Maharaj will join the side today.
“So far so good. We play Lautoka at Churchill Park as we need to have some parctise on the pitch,” Buzzetti said at a press conference.
Buzzetti will name his final squad on Thursday week.
Osea Vakatalesau in action for Fiji at the XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007