Setareki Hughes, middle, of Fiji against New Zealand in an international. (file image) Photo: Hagen Hopkins
The Fiji men's senior football team faces a 'David vs Goliath' test when they meet New Zealand for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers in Wellington next weekend.
The Bula Boys will be up against a formidable All Whites side in the second semifinal of the qualifiers at Sky Sports Stadium.
Tahiti and New Caledonia will battle in the other semifinal for a spot in the final in Auckland on 24 March.
Former Fijian national representative and current assistant coach Marika Rodu told FBC Sports that they were the 'David' in the clash, referencing the Biblical story that detailed the battle between David and Phillisitine giant Goliath.
Rodu said the 'David vs Goliath' analogy serves both a reminder of the challenge and a source of motivation for the team, especially when the Fijians, a side with mostly amateur or semi-professional players, face a team full of professional players based around the globe.
"For us, it is going to be a mental thing," he said in Auckland before the team departed for Wellington on Wednesday morning.
"It is a mental block that we have to overcome. Definitely, it's David and Goliath battle.
"An amateur team playing against players who are professional. Definitely it's a matter of setting our focus right, concentration level. Most important is to have that belief and faith that we can do well against New Zealand."
He said Fiji cannot afford any lapses against a team of New Zealand's calibre.
From 2007, the two teams have met eight times, with New Zeland winning seven games, Fiji only managing one in 2008.
That is a record both Rodu and his head coach Rob Sherman both know.
Sherman agrees with Rodu and told OFC media the All Whites is a professional outfit and the Fijians will have to step up to the challenge.
Fiji national football team players at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba last month as they begin their preparations for the crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Photo: Fiji Football Association
New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley has made just one change to his squad that won play-off matches last year.
"The lads are playing at a very decent standard. Obviously, Chris (Wood) in the Premier League, and then they'll be playing at a high level," Sherman said of the local side.
"Ultimately, we know that it's a challenge. We're playing a fully professional team, and therefore it's a big step up."
But Sherman is hoping their time together in Auckalnd will help Fiji as they have been able to acclimitise to the conditions.
The New Zealand players will be arriving into camp a few days before the match, on the other hand.
"Absolutely, the sort of jetlag, I know they have, I think, at the most two days, but jetlag won't be a problem for us," he stated.
Sherman has trimmed his wider training squad from 27 to 23.
Nabil Begg, Samuela Kautoga, Shivneel Sharma, and Mohammed Shuiab Khan have returned home either due to injury or work related commitments.
Sherman is happy with his side's preparation and the balance of his squad.
"So far, so good, still some ground to make up," he told OFC media.
"Obviously, it is a big challenge. So we will be working tirelessly on our game plan as we work through the week.
"But so far, we have made progress, so that is a positive. I am happy with the final squad from the players [who are] available, eligible and fit."
Fixtures:
Friday 21 March - 7pm NZT
All Whites vs Fiji
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Monday 24 March - 7pm NZT
All Whites or Fiji vs New Caledonia or Tahiti
Eden Park, Auckland
