Dulwich FC goalkeeper Jerome Narayan has been selected for the Digicel Bula Boys’ 23-member squad in the upcoming FIFA Tri-Nations Series, where they will compete against the Solomon Islands and Hong Kong-China. Narayan, who was born in Australia, qualifies for the Fiji team through his father, who is Fijian.
In a statement to Fiji FA Media, Jerome expressed his excitement about the selection, saying, “Any opportunity to represent the country is amazing. It’s an opportunity for me to represent my dad’s side of the family so I took it with both hands.” He praised the team camp in Ba as “amazing” and noted the support from the coaching staff and fellow players.
“I want to enjoy the experience and be an asset to the team whenever I can. If I can have a strong influence in any way whenever the coach sees fit, I’ll do it,” he added.
In addition to Narayan, veteran Rewa utility player Samuela Kautoga has also been included in the squad. Suva’s Akuila Mateisuva, defender Remueru Tekiate, and midfielder Dave Radrigai are returning to national duties. Other notable players in the squad include Navua’s Rahul Krishna, Patrick Joseph from Rewa, and Epeli Leiroti from Lautoka. Meanwhile, Ba’s Etonia Dogalau, Labasa’s Melvin Mani, and Fiji U19 players Penisoni Tirau and Mohammed Ayman have been omitted from the squad.
Fiji’s first match will be against the Solomon Islands on Monday, September 2, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, kicking off at 7 PM. The Solomon Islands will then face Hong Kong-China at the same venue on Thursday, September 5, at 7 PM. The Bula Boys will conclude the series against Hong Kong-China on Sunday, September 8, at Churchill Park in Lautoka, starting at 3 PM.
The Fiji squad includes Isikeli Sevania, Samuela Kautoga, Epeli Leiroti, Ivan Kumar, Sitiveni Cavuilagi, Thomas Dunn, Mohammed Raheem, Setareki Hughes, Aporosa Yada, Nabil Begg, Mosese Nabose, Tevita Waranaivalu, Muni Shivam Naidu, Sairusi Nalaubu, Patrick Joseph, Antonio Tuivuna, Filipe Baravilala, Remueru Tekiate, Rahul Krishna, Jerome Narayan, Sterling Vasconcellos, Akuila Mateisuva, and Dave Radrigai.