INJURED Fiji sevens rep Lepani Botia is confident he will recover in time for the opening leg of the 2012/13 HSBC Sevens World Series in Australia next month.
Botia sustained an injury during the B division semi-final while playing for Namosi last month.
"We have been in camp for the past two weeks and the doctor has given me a chance to recover and hopefully I will be fit in time for the first tournament in Gold Coast," Botia said.
"I am confident of recovering and I am willing to give my best shot for the country if given a chance in the final team."
Botia watched the team from the sideline during a training session at Suva Grammar School grounds yesterday afternoon.
The Naitasiri native said Fiji needed to tighten its defence in a bid to retain its title in Gold Coast.
"From last season, I think our defence was not really good and that is something we needed to work on plus our communication on the field," he said.
Botia, Osea Kolinisau, Ilai Tinai, Timoci Vakadranu and Joji Ragamate are some of the experienced players in the squad preparing for the Australian leg.
Despite losing captain Setefano Cakau, Nikola Matawalu, Waisea Nayacalevu and star playmaker Metuisela Talebula, Botia is confident Fiji could field a strong team to defend the title at the Gold Coast 7s tournament scheduled on October 13-14.
Fiji won the tournament last year under the guidance of current Tongan 7s director Etuate Waqa.