ISIRELI Vuetibau has been given the captain's armband for the Fiji men's basketball team to the FIBA Oceania Youth Championship in Australia next month.
Vuetibau will be assisted by Mataika Koyamainavure. They are survivors of the 2010 team that finished eighth at the same event in New Caledonia. Vuetibau, who hails from Mokani, Bau in Tailevu, is one of the experienced players in the team and coach Saula Koroi will bank on his leadership. Koyamainavure was named the player of the tournament during the Easter Championship earlier this year after a strong performance for the Saints.
Koroi said the team was the best.
"This is one of the best prepared teams. These boys are young but they have been playing at club level for some time," he said.
"We got some very good individuals players who have proven their worth already. Mataika is the man of the tournament during Easter and I believe we got other quality players in the team."
Koroi is optimistic the team would do well at the Oceania event.
"Our aim is to do well at the event. We've got capable players to do the job so we are just looking forward to do the country proud," he said.
The FIBA Oceania Youth is scheduled for November 24 to December 2.
Fiji team: Walter Vanuya, Lorima Sautu, Filimoni Vulimailaucala, Iosefo Taliu, Isireli Vuetibau, Ulaiasi Koroi, George Patterson, Mataika Koyamainavure, Peter Gus, Josaia Qalotaki.