Courtesy: Fiji Live Sports


Ragata comes in for injured Begg in FUTSAL side

June 25, 2009

Inspirational Labasa goalkeeper, Emori Ragata has been drafted into the Fiji FUTSAL team for the Oceania Football Confederation FUTSAL Championship which kicks off in a fortnight in Suva.

The 21 year old comes in place of injured Azmat Begg who will not be able to feature in the championship after undergoing surgery earlier this week.

Begg broke his jaw in Suva’s final pool clash of the Fiji FACT against Tavua and was hospitalized after the incident. He had a surgery at the Suva Private hospital on Monday and is recovering.

Fiji FUTSAL executive Jainendra Sukhu said they had to make the decision after assessing Begg’s condition and believes Ragata will shine in the tournament.

“Azmat’s loss is a setback as he was our number one choice last season but Emori brings with him a lot of potential and will certainly be a delight to watch” he said.

“He has proven himself in the Fiji FACT and his superb performances in the tournament caught the eyes of the national selectors who have decided to give him the opportunity to represent the Fiji team”

“He may be new to FUTSAL but his stature and flexibility suits the sport of FUTSAL and he should adjust well.”

National goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau will be the key man between the sticks for Fiji and Ragata is expected to act as cover for the Navua stopper.

On the team’s preparation for the championship, Sukhu said the squad will march in camp from tomorrow and undergo strict training under coach Imtiaz Khan and assistant coach Melvin Anand.

Fiji will feature against Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia on a round robin basis.

The Fiji team: Simione Tamanisau, Emori Ragata, Sandeep Nair, Dinesh Mudliar, Shivam Nathan, Joseph Mishra, Osea Vakatalesau, Uraia Loki, Aisea Codro,Mira Sahib, Mohammed Shalmeen, Kamal Hassan.






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com