The slow process of having the national football camp approved is worrying.

Time is not on Fijian football head coach Flemming Serritslev’s hands as he needs to have several matches for the squad as part of their preparation for the World Cup qualifiers in March.

While he is not worried about preparing the team physically, his concern is the number of matches the national side need to play as part of them in preparation.

The 74-year-old former Danish international and prominent coach said he could start camp any day.

“The holdup is the Government approval, once approved we can go into camp,” Serritslev said.

He has confirmed that about four or five international players will be part of the side.

“I’m not worried about having them (national squad) physically prepared for March, for sure we will be able to do this,” he said.

“But the lack of matches for players is the worry. They have been without games for half a year now and it might take one more month before matches can start here.

“We had hoped to start this week Monday. The national squad members and the staff of the Fiji Football Ba academy are fully vaccinated and that is a great advantage.”

Meanwhile arrangements will be made for the national squad members in Labasa to be in camp if the internal borders are not lifted in time of the approval.

“The Labasa players are all fully vaccinated; it would be good if special permission can be given for them to join us once the approval comes through.

“Since the international borders are still closed, we do not expect the overseas players to join us. We are looking at four to five international players.

“When the Digicel premier league starts we hope to get plenty games in the FIFA November window.

“We will also try to use the January window for international matches, two or three international matches at least.

“No matter what, we have to do our best and I am optimistic when it’s about the men’s national.”

The World Cup qualifiers will be held during the FIFA window in March.

Meanwhile national players have been sending through their daily training updates to Serritslev.

Serristslev hopes to begin with group (team) training but without physical contact while waiting to get the green light from Government.

Feedback:  sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj