The National Kurukuru Futsal are expected to name their final squad this week in preparation for the Oceania Futsal Championship in Fiji this year.

The Oceania championship will only feature four countries after New Zealand and Tahiti have withdrawn their participation.

The championship is scheduled for July 5-11 and will be hosted in the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

Solomon Islands Futsal Development Officer and Kurukuru Team coach Victor Wai’i said 22 players have been undergoing intensive training for the championship.

But the squad will be trimmed to 12 players who will travel to the championship, he said.

Wai’i said the selection of the final squad will coincide with the presence of OFC Futsal Development Officer Scott Gilligan who will be in the country to conduct a Futsal Coaching Clinic under the Win in Oceania project, this month.

“This is just an Oceania Championship which was hosted every year and not a qualifier.

“But it is important for the Kurukuru in their preparation to defend the Oceania title,” he said.

The current training squad comprises of old players who played in last year’s Oceania qualifiers and the World Cup, and some new faces that are recently drafted.

It has been hinted that Kurukuru inspirational captain Elliot Ragomo and key player Jack Whitney are likely to make the final squad.

Their inclusion will pose a threat. Previously, they have earned admiration in Fiji during the Oceania Qualifiers.

Meanwhile, the host Fiji have announced their extended squad that will go into trials ahead of the championship.

Fiji Futsal Secretary told Fijilive Fiji was lacking behind in preparation for the meet and they are trying their best to mould and field a formidable team in the tourney.

“We are facing some problems in assembling the squad and organizing training sessions as the players are scattered around the country and the gymnasium courts booked for other events.”

“It’s a bit difficult in Fiji to have only specific players involved in FUTSAL as all players play full code football therefore their availability for 5-a-side commitments becomes a concern for us.”

“Despite our problems, we had our first training session in Suva yesterday and preparations will
intensify from next week.”

“The southern players will train under coach Intiaz Khan on Tuesdays and Thursdays while the western and northern players in the meantime will be training under the guidance of our development officers.”

“We have a mix of young and experienced players and should be able to form a formidable team for the championship,” added Sukhu.