NZ Based Duo Join Junior Bula Boys Squad
New Zealand-based players Ryan Swami and Somit Maharaj are among the latest additions to the Junior Bula Boys squad ahead of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship.
Fifteen-year-old Swami joins the squad from Fencibles United, while 16-year-old Maharaj comes from Auckland City FC.
Head Coach Sunil Kumar said the pair first caught his attention during the Pacific Community Cup in New Zealand in November last year, where both players were representing the New Zealand Under-16 team.
“Ryan and Somit impressed me during the Pacific Community Cup in New Zealand last November. They showed great technical ability, strong game awareness and a positive attitude both on and off the field,” Kumar said.
“That tournament gave us the opportunity to identify players of Fijian heritage playing overseas, and these two stood out. We have been monitoring their progress since then and are delighted to have them join the squad. They will add quality and competition to the group as we prepare for the championship.”
The pair have since linked up with the national team in Ba and are enjoying the experience of training and living alongside their teammates as preparations continue for the regional tournament in Papua New Guinea.
Hear from Ryan and Somit as they reflect on how they first started playing football, the journey that led to their selection for Fiji, their experience in camp with the Junior Bula Boys and their goals for the upcoming OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Papua New Guinea.
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04/07/2026
Junior Bula Boys Squad Named Ahead of OFC U-16 Championship
The Fiji Junior Bula Boys officially announced their 23-member squad tonight during a Presentation Night held at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba, where the team has been in camp for the past six weeks preparing for the OFC U-16 Championship in Papua New Guinea.
The tournament carries added significance, with the top three teams earning qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2027. Fiji will be aiming to secure its third appearance at the global event, having previously qualified twice.
Head Coach Sunil Kumar, who guided Fiji to qualification in the previous two U-16 campaigns, will once again lead the national side. The squad features talented young players from across Fiji, including two New Zealand-based players identified during last year's Pacific Community Cup in New Zealand.
During the evening, Jone Loga was announced as team captain, while Isoa Baselala and Kirikiti Biu were named co-captains for the campaign.
The team will be supported by Technical Director David Baltase, Team Manager Shelvin Singh, Goalkeeping Coach Sanaila Waqanicakau, and Strength and Conditioning Coach/Physio Noel Augustine.
The Presentation Night was attended by Fiji Football Association Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf, Vice President Women Mere Veikata, Vice President West Naziah Ali, parents, family members, officials and supporters who gathered to celebrate the players' achievement and wish them well for the tournament.
Addressing the players, Fiji FA CEO Mohammed Yusuf encouraged the squad to embrace the opportunity and represent Fiji with pride.
"Being selected to represent your country is a tremendous achievement and a responsibility that should never be taken lightly. You have worked hard to earn your place in this squad and now have the opportunity to inspire a nation. Play for each other, play for your families and play for Fiji. We are proud of you and we wish you every success as you pursue qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup."
Head Coach Sunil Kumar said the players had shown outstanding commitment throughout the preparation period.
"The dedication, discipline and work ethic shown by this group has been exceptional. For the past six weeks, the boys have worked tirelessly in camp, embracing every challenge and pushing each other to improve. We know the competition will be tough, but the players are focused, united and ready to give everything for Fiji. Our goal is to make our country proud and compete for a place at the World Cup."
The Junior Bula Boys will depart for Papua New Guinea on Monday as they begin their quest for OFC glory and a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2027.
Full Squad List
Ratu NATIRIVI
Junaid NABI
Aaron VEITAMANI
Somit MAHARAJ
Jerry LEVEA
Jone LOGA
Shahil PRASAD
Simione POE
Maikeli RATUOVE
Darshil RAJ
Joshua PRASAD
Navitesh KUMAR
Ryan SWAMI
Isoa BASELALA
Lekima ROKODRAGI
Mohammed WATSON
Ahmad SHAMEEM
Rayyaan MOHAMMED
Zaman SHAH
Kirikiti BIU
Daniel Ganzalas RAICAMA
Setoki VATANITAWAKE
04/07/2026
An exceptional second half from Tafea FC sends them into the Semi Finals! 👏🇻🇺
They’ve set Hekari Women a HUGE task if they want to sn**ch the top spot in Group A 😱
U16 Junior Bula Boys’ Presentation Ceremony
04/07/2026
📸 IMAGE GALLERY | Fiji FA U16 Girls Youth League 2026
An entertaining day of football saw Rewa U16 Girls cruise to a convincing 6-0 victory over Tailevu Naitasiri U16 Girls, while Nasinu U16 Girls claimed a 3-1 win against Navua U16 Girls while Suva U16 thrashed Northland Tailevu 11-0 in the Fiji FA U16 Girls Youth League 2026 at Fiji FA Academy Ground in Vatuwaqa.
Check out the best moments from today's matches as Fiji's future stars continued to shine on the field. ⚽📸
03/07/2026
More than 50 youngsters attend Fiji FA grassroots programme
More than 50 children turned up for the Fiji Football Association's Grassroots Development Programme at the Fiji FA Academy in Labasa today.
The youngsters took part in fun football activities, basic skills sessions and small-sided games conducted by Fiji FA development coaches.
The programme aims to introduce children to the sport in an enjoyable environment while promoting teamwork, confidence and healthy lifestyles.
Fiji FA continues to roll out grassroots programmes around the country as part of its commitment to increasing participation and developing the next generation of footballers.
03/07/2026
Ba still in the hunt for OFC Women's Champions League semi-final berth
Ba Women FC remain firmly in contention for a place in the semifinals of the OFC Women's Champions League 2026 despite suffering a 3-1 defeat to Papua New Guinea's Hekari Women FC in their second Group A match.
The Luisa Tamanitoakula-led side sits third in Group A with three points after opening its campaign with a commanding 6-0 victory over hosts Henderson Eels of the Solomon Islands before falling to Hekari on Wednesday.
Ba now faces a crucial final pool match against unbeaten group leaders Tafea FC of Vanuatu at 5pm (Fiji time) today.
A positive result would keep the Fijian champions' hopes of reaching the last four alive, depending on the outcome of the other Group A fixture between Henderson Eels and Hekari Women FC.
The top two teams from Group A will progress to the semifinals.
The group winner will face Cook Islands champions Puaikura FC, while the runner-up will meet defending champions Auckland United of New Zealand.
03/07/2026
Ba Calls on Fans to Pack Govind Park for BiC Fiji FACT Trophy Celebration
Fresh from ending a 16-year wait for the prestigious BiC Fiji FACT title, Roylux Realty Ba FC is inviting supporters to turn out in large numbers for a special trophy celebration following this weekend's Extra Premier League clash against Nadi FC at Govind Park.
The Men-in-Black will present the BiC Fiji FACT trophy to their home supporters after the final whistle in what promises to be a memorable occasion for the Ba football family.
Ba Football Association president Praneel Dayal said the celebration is dedicated to the loyal fans who stood by the club through the highs and lows.
"This trophy belongs to every Ba supporter who stood by us through the good times and the difficult times. Their unwavering belief in the team has been our greatest strength, and we want to celebrate this achievement together with them."
Dayal has urged supporters to fill Govind Park, wear their black colours and help create a festive atmosphere as the team returns home as Fiji FACT champions.
"I encourage every Ba supporter to come out in numbers, wear your black colours, get behind the team against Nadi and stay back after the match as we celebrate this historic BiC Fiji FACT triumph together. This victory is for our fans, and we want to share this special moment with every member of the Ba football family."
He also thanked the club's sponsors, management, coaching staff, players, volunteers and supporters for their unwavering commitment throughout the campaign.
"This success is the result of everyone's hard work and sacrifice. We are grateful for the tremendous support we have received, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone together at Govind Park."
Ba defeated Navua in last Sunday's final at Subrail Park in Labasa to lift the BiC Fiji FACT 2026 trophy, bringing one of Fiji football's most prestigious honours back to the district for the first time since 2010. Sunday's post-match celebration will give fans the opportunity to celebrate alongside the players and coaching staff as the Men-in-Black continue their Extra Premier League campaign.
03/07/2026
League leaders Ba out to extend advantage
Fresh from lifting the BiC Fiji FACT 2026 trophy, Dayal's Sawmillers Ba FC return to Extra Premier League action this Sunday when they host Tagimoucia Nadi FC at 4R Stadium, Govind Park.
Ba sit at the top of the league standings with 23 points and will be aiming to continue their impressive form as they look to strengthen their grip on first place. Nadi, who missed out on the BiC Fiji FACT, will be eager to make a statement and upset the league leaders.
With the Men in Black chasing another crucial three points in the title race and Nadi looking to spoil the champions' momentum, an exciting contest is expected when kick-off gets underway at 3pm.
03/07/2026
Navua, Suva seek crucial league points
The Extra Premier League 2026 continues this Sunday with Prithvi Navua FC hosting Global Care Suva FC at Uprising Sports Ground in what promises to be an entertaining Round 12 encounter.
Navua will be looking to make home advantage count as they aim to climb from eighth place on the standings, while Suva enter the clash in fifth position and will be chasing maximum points to keep pace with the league's top four.
With both teams eager to strengthen their positions in a tightly contested table, fans can expect a competitive battle when play gets underway at 3pm.
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