Cricket Fiji names 2012 National U17 training squad

Cricket Fiji has announced an extended U17 National training Squad in preparation for the U17 East Asia Pacific Tournament to be hosted by Fiji in August 2012.

Suva Association provides 6 players, Western Association 4, Komo Association 3 and Oneata Association, Labasa Association and Moce Association 2 each.

The squad is bolstered by additional players, three ex patriot players have been requested to train with squad as the selectors believe that given their ability they will assist the U17 squad in their preparation. A further 4, U15 have been identified as players of the future and have also been requested to train with the squad as development players.

The Squad comprises a number of incredibly talented young players who have previously played for Fiji and who the Selectors believe have developed well since the last U17 Fiji tour. These players will be ready to create a good culture in the squad to prepare them for tough matches against PNG, Vanuatu and Samoa at the EAP in 2012. Amongst these players, are Joji Tabua from Komo who won the U17 Bowler of the tournament and Metsula Beitaki from Moce who won the U17 batsman of the tournament at the recent All Stars.

The squad will be brought to Viti Levu to train together as a group on regular occasions throughout 2012, each player will also be given High Performance programs to work on by the Cricket Fiji HPM Steve Jenkin when they are back in their regions. Cricket Fiji has indentified qualified coaches in each region to work with these players during the year in conjunction with the HPM and these U17 players will train with their U19 Counterparts when back in their associations.

Cricket Fiji Chief Executive Officer Jon Symonds "2012 is all about Fiji having been recognised by the International Cricket Council and given the rights to host the U17 East Asia Pacific Tournament. This squad is laying the platform to do well in this tournament but also showcase the talent that will be available for Fiji in the years to come. There are some really exciting young cricketers in this squad who are already pushing for higher honours so watch this space"

Fiji U17 Squad: Joji Tabua, Filipe Qalowasa, Saimoni Matakali (Komo Association), Josaia Balecikobia, Cakacaka Tikoisuva, (Oneata Association), Mikaele Koto, Sowane Puamau (Lakeba Association), Napolione Gu, Metsula Beitaki (Moce Association), Koroi Bola, Tomasi Cagilevu, Alipate Tuidraki, Iliesa Navatu (Western Association), Jone Kaiono, Viliame Makasiale, Shivneel Kirpal, Sagaitu Konusi, Sakiusa Dokosokobau, Manusa Ravula (Suva Association)

Invited players: John Penrose, Jordan Symons (Suva Association), Pawan Kumar (Western Association)

Development players: James konusi, Colin Sasau , Kurt Howard (Suva Association), Erik Biudole (lakeba Association)