Courtesy: Fiji Times


Naqeleca joins 5-a-side squad

by Rashneel Kumar

Thursday, July 01, 2010

ESAVA Naqeleca has joined the 20-member national Futsal squad for the 2010 OFC Futsal Championship.

Naqeleca who has rejoined Suva after a short stint with Vanuatu-based Spirit 08 club replaces goal keeper Josaia Ratu.

The Tavua stopper Ratu was dropped from the squad after being charged for misconduct during his side's Fiji Sun Weet-Bix National Football League encounter against Weet-Bix Shop N Save Lautoka.

Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) Vice President and Futsal Commission chairman Anil Sharma said Naqeleca's inclusion would be a timely boost for the national side.

"Josaia Ratu has been charged for misconduct and his case is set to heard on July 17. Since the offence is a serious one Josaia may face some harsh penalties for his actions and so we have decided to drop him and include Esava," Sharma told the Fiji FA Media.

"Esava has played Futsal before and we believe he will be able to fit in well with the squad. With Ratu's exclusion we have got two other goal keepers (Suva's Emori Ragata and Navua's Beniaminio) that could cover up."


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