Wellington Phoenix FC captain Andrew Durante is looking forward to their first game in Fiji.

The tour, made possible by Fiji Airways, will see the Wellington Phoenix FC play Vodafone Fijian national team play in their first match 5.30pm today at the ANZ Stadium. “As far as development is concerned this tour is very important as we have good relationships with Fiji,” Durante said.

“And we are also looking out for talented players like Roy.

“I believe there is really good bunch of players here and it’s also good the U23 teams have chance to play against each other.”

Durante also said his team was ready to deliver today in Suva.

“We are excited, we are expecting a good crowd to come and watch us and we ready to put up a good performance for them,” he said.

“Fiji is a beautiful country, people are very welcoming and hopefully we play a good game for them.”

Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick said Roy Krishna would be their biggest challenge.

“If Roy scores a goal for Fiji that’s good, but if we score that’s better but I will be happy if he scores,” Merrick said.

“Our defenders know his tricks so we worry about Roy.

“This is pre-season training for us and winning is an important part and we are looking at developing our structure for the new season.” Fijian captain Roy Krishna said echoed the same sentiments and said this would be a good opportunity for Fijian footballers to show their talent.

“It will be a friendly game but it’s going to be a good opportunity for the young players who want to play professional football to prove themselves,” Krishna said.

As a professional footballer the Labasa native urges discipline to young Fijian footballers.

The Wellington Phoenix team and Fiji officials were hosted to a welcoming afternoon tea at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s residence yesterday.

Feedback: anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj