English based Footballer Ravai Keen on Fiji
English based midfielder Peter Ravai could be the next big thing in Fijian football. The Scotland born Natuva, Tailevu native and fellow Fijian Scot Wara are two English based players who have indicated their interest in playing for their home country.
Ravai, 19, is expected to join the national squad at the Fiji Football National Academy in Ba next week.
Fiji Football is assisting in having his visa sorted with the Fiji Immigration Department.
According to Oceania Football Centre, Ravai had showed interest in representing Fiji two years ago when he was 17.
“I was born in Edinburgh but I moved to Germany at a very young age,” Ravai said.
“I lived in Germany for eight years before going back to England with my family as my father was in the British Army. I would love to represent Fiji,” he said.
Speaking to Sun sports national football team manager Anushil Kumar said Ravai will be part of the trials next week.
“Like every other player he will have to attend the trials to impress the selectors,” Kumar said.
“His performance will determine his spot in the final squad for the World Cup qualifiers in Qatar.
Kumar added that Ravai is an asset for Fijian football.
“If we look at the brighter side, he is just 19. He has a lot of opportunities and exposure playing in age group and district level overseas.
“We never know he could be the next Roy Krishna as he is now playing in the fifth division football competition in England.
“He is in the right football environment and that is his big advantage.”
Ravai started his football career when he was seven playing for Sportverein Eintracht Bad Fallingbostel. After his first year, he was part of the youth system of Hamburguer SV – one of the most traditional teams in Germany – before moving to England.
In England, Ravai played for Park Farm Rangers FC and Ashford United FC before joining the Soccer Elite Football Academy in 2019.
He is currently in the Maidstone United U-19, a football club from the 6th tier of English football.
His record: 2020-Current: Maidstone United (Youth), 2019-2020: Soccer Elite FA (Youth), 2016-2019: Ashford United FC (Youth), 2014-2016: Park Farm Rangers FC (Youth), 2011; 2012: Hamburger SV (Youth), 2010-2011: Sportverein Eintracht Bad Fallingbostel e.V. (Youth)