Vodafone Fijian football striker Epeli Leiroti controls the ball during training at the Fiji FA Ba Academy on March 8, 2018. Photo: Fiji FA Media
The Vodafone national football team had suffered a big blow after their top choice goalkeeper Beniaminio Mateinaqara has been ruled out due to injury.
The veteran Lautoka goalkeeper got injured during training.
This has left head coach, Christophe Gamel in a dilemma as there is a shortage of experienced goalkeepers.
“It’s a big loss as I have already been struggling with a few goalkeepers,” he said.
“I have also dropped Josaia Ratu after his disciplinary case during the match against Labasa.
“Not only Mateinaqara has been in camp for the Philippines tour, I had also been preparing him for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League quarterfinal.
“Losing Beniaminio is a big loss because I was also preparing him for the Champions League, but I think he will be ready by then. He has to manage his diet because you can also get injured if you are overweight.
“I have also dropped a few players because of personal reasons as we have our own values in the team and those who are not within the frame have to leave.”
Gamel said he could not work since some players are not being released on time.
“We’re still waiting for Simione Tamanisau and Akuila Mateisuva to be released by Police. This happened during the Estonia game when I got players one-day before the game and I hope that this is not repeated.
“Getting players just a few days before the game will make things difficult for us because we will be facing a very strong team.”
-FijiFA Media
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