Wellington Phoenix Head Coach, Ernie Merrick says given the chance to play the Vodafone Fiji national football side is an honor.

The team from New Zealand arrived in the country last night.

Speaking to the media at the Domestic Area where they were officially welcomed, Merrick says the players are ready for to take on the Fijians.

“To have this opportunity thanks to Fiji Airways, the association and the government…to come over here and to complete the first part of our pre-season training and playing the national team of Fiji twice and the Olympics team twice is just going to be a wonderful experience for our players.”

Meanwhile top Fijian Striker, Osea Vakatalesau says the play-offs against the Wellington Phoenix will be a tough competition.

The 29 year-old form Tailevu says being selected to be part of the team is an achievement.

“Always great to represent our country and I am very happy to be one of those selected to play against Wellington Phoenix.”

Vakatalesau will feature for the national side in the two matches against the Nix.

The first game will be played tomorrow at the ANZ Stadium in Suva at 5.30pm, before which the Phoenix Premier side plays the national Under-23 team at 2.30pm.

The return matches will be played on Tuesday next week at Govind Park in Ba.

You can catch the live commentary of the Phoenix and Fiji match on Radio Fiji 2 with the voice of soccer, Raymond Stoddart.