FORMER Fiji international footballer Tagi Vonolagi has voiced his displeasure over the selection of young players in the Bula Boys squad for the 2027 MSG Prime Ministers Cup.
A well-known name in Fiji’s domestic football, Vonolagi won the 1989 and 1992 Melanesian Cup, believes experienced senior players who are still performing at a high level deserve greater consideration for national team selection.
He said some of the country’s top senior players were expecting a national call-up but had not been considered.
“When we had international games before, Fiji sent the best senior players we had. International test games are no testing ground for young players, that’s how our coaches told us. Maybe times have changed now,” he said.
“We have some of the best senior players vying for national jerseys, still waiting to be called up. Fiji beat Solomon Islands in Honiara with 10 players in the Melanesian Cup starting lineup, with the crowd against us and senior players in the team.”
Vonolagi reflected on Fiji’s historic success at the 1992 South Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea, where the national team won under challenging circumstances.
“We won Fiji’s first South Pacific Games gold medal in Papua New Guinea under a bomb threat. Yet we played the final and won.”
He questioned whether international matches should be used as a platform to develop young players, particularly when experienced footballers remain available.
“Nowadays, many young players are being given opportunities in international football. With the exception of (Max) Maika Dau, who has shown maturity at youth level and has played against bigger players from a young age, I believe international games are no testing ground for young players.”
Vonolagi also raised concerns about the exclusion of two highly rated players who had just helped their team win the Battle of the Giants.
“Please consider our senior players as well. Two top-rated players who just won the Battle of the Giants (BOG) were not even considered.”
He also stressed that Fiji must understand the playing style of island nations rather than simply allowing opponents to dictate the game.
“Island teams, you don’t play their style because that’s what they want. They are good with the ball. If you play their game style, they will punish you.”
Reflecting on Fiji’s international record, Vonolagi pointed to the period following the national team’s second South Pacific Games gold medal in 2003.
“From 2003, after our national team won Fiji’s second gold medal, until now, we haven’t been doing well at international level.”
He questioned the possible long-term consequences of overlooking senior footballers and whether some could eventually lose interest in representing the country.
“What if all these senior players consider leaving soccer and start playing rugby, like the women are doing now? Will we have a strong domestic competition?”
