Fiji Football head coach Rob Sherman has laid out a comprehensive preparation plan for his squad ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers semi-final against New Zealand on March 19 at Wellington’s Sky Stadium.
The Bula Boys will face Darren Bazeley’s All Whites in the second semi-final, following the earlier matchup between New Caledonia and Tahiti. The stakes are monumental, with the winners advancing to the final at Auckland’s Eden Park on March 24, where for the first time a team from Oceania will secure direct qualification for the FIFA World Cup™ in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next year. The runners-up will still have a lifeline through the Intercontinental Playoff tournament.
Sherman, who is based in Christchurch, visited OFC headquarters this week before he heads to Fiji next week to lead the first of three intensive training camps with an extended squad. The initial camp is scheduled from February 9 to 23 in Ba, after which the final 23-man squad for the semi-final will be announced.
The squad will then travel to Auckland on March 1, engaging in warm-up matches against Premiership clubs. They will then relocate to Wellington nine days before the semi-final for final preparations.
For Sherman, the extended buildup is a critical factor in taking on a formidable New Zealand side.
“It’s very exciting, to be honest,” Sherman shared. “We know the challenge ahead, but that’s what makes this opportunity so special—the chance to face a top opponent and put on a decent display.”
Sherman emphasised that the training camps will focus on elevating fitness levels and perfecting the team’s tactical approach.
“It’s a condensed period, but our methodology has proven successful so far,” he said. ‘We’ll be working through our game plan it becomes innate so they don’t actually have to think about it during the game they just execute it.” Sherman added.
While Sherman acknowledged New Zealand’s strength, he confirmed that Fiji has a clear strategy to neutralise their opponents’ key strengths, though he remained tight-lipped on specifics.
“Ultimately, we appreciate New Zealand as the superior team, so it’s mostly about mitigating their strengths,” he noted.
The coach is optimistic about fielding a stronger squad compared to the one that finished as runners-up in Group A during November’s matches in Port Moresby.
“We’re waiting on confirmation of fitness for one or two players. If they’re available, but should they be fit then we’ll probably include them in the squad and you know that might make an improvement,” Sherman said.
Sherman also called on Fijian fans, both in Fiji and New Zealand, to rally behind the team.
“We hope the community gets right behind the team. It’ll make a big difference for the lads, especially at an away venue. We want to put on a performance that makes them proud, regardless of the result.”
📸| Photo Credit OFC Media via Phototek