The 18-member national men’s football team to next month’s Olympic Games is going to be announced at 1pm today. Top on the list is Wellington Phoenix striker Roy Krishna.

This was confirmed by national team director Tarunesh Reddy who said last night that Krishna has fully recovered from a niggling injury and is ready for selection.

“Roy is looking sharp in camp,” Reddy said.

He indicated that they currently have 21 players in camp. Four were sent home last week and the latest was Ba midfielder Manasa Nawakula who was dropped early this week because of injury.

“Lots of good players have missed out as we have to follow the guidelines set by FASANOC. The coach Frank Farina preparing the team well, we will see how it will go,” Reddy said.

The Olympics football competition allows three players over the age of 23 to participate. Also tipped to join Krishna, is national defender Alvin Singh who captained the side during their tour to Spain and Brazil.

An interesting tussle also looms between veteran goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau and Samuela Kautoga.

The Fijians have been drawn in a tough Group C where they face defending Olympic champions Mexico, Germany and South Korea.

“If we look at the Under-20 games during the world cup last year, we were in a tough pool but that’s part of football, we have to face them. We have qualified for the Olympics, so we have to expect those types of opponents, we will go and enjoy the game,” he added.

The Fijians start their campaign against Korea on August 4, faces Mexico on August 7 and the final pool match against Germany is on August 10 at Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador, Brazil.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj