FORMER Fiji international footballer Nicholas Prasad returns to Fiji after seven years, with one clear aim, helping Edmonton Rangers win the Pacific Cup.
The Edmonton, Canada side is making its tournament debut and will be looking to make an impression against some of the region’s established teams.
Prasad said the club is made up of quality players and confident that they will play equally quality football in Fiji.
“We have assembled a strong squad featuring some of the top Fijian footballing and import talent in Canada,” he said.
“We are extremely proud to represent Canada and the Fijian community on this stage.”
Prasad highlighted that Edmonton Rangers understand the standard of football across the Pacific and the quality of the teams that they will be competing against.
“This is a great opportunity for our players and our community to showcase the talent, passion, and competitive spirit of Fijian football in Canada.”
Prasad is the most capped player in the Edmonton Rangers squad, bringing considerable international, North American and Oceania playing experience to the team.
His football journey has taken him through several clubs and competitions, including Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2014, Seattle Redhawks from 2014 to 2018, Germany’s SpVgg Bayreuth from 2018 to 2019, Tulsa Roughnecks in 2019 and Bischofswerdaer FV 08 from 2020 to 2021.
He was also part of the Bula Boys setup in 2019 for the Tri-Nations tournament before earning a call-up to the Fiji national side for official FIFA international friendlies against New Caledonia and Mauritius.
Prasad made an immediate impression on his international debut against New Caledonia, providing an assist in Fiji’s 3-0 victory.
He became a regular in head coach Christophe Gamel’s squad and was selected for the 2019 Pacific in Samoa, where Fiji secured the bronze medal.
Now, several years after representing clubs in Canada, United States and Germany, Prasad returns to Fiji in different colours, but with the same competitive spirit.
“We’re coming into the tournament with respect for our opposition, but also with the ambition to compete and win the tournament,” he said.
