Dulwich FC goalkeeper Jerome Narayan has been selected for the Digicel Bula Boys, joining the 23-member squad for the upcoming FIFA Tri-Nations Series against the Solomon Islands and Hong Kong-China. Born in Australia, Jerome is eligible to represent Fiji through his father, who hails from the island nation.
In a statement to Fiji FA Media, Jerome expressed his excitement about the opportunity to represent Fiji, 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,” highlighting the support from both the coaching staff and fellow players.
Jerome also mentioned his desire to enjoy the experience and contribute positively to the team. “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.”
The squad also includes veteran player Samuela Kautoga from New Zealand, as well as returning players such as Suva goalkeeper Akuila Mateisuva, defender Remueru Tekiate, and midfielder Dave Radrigai. Other key players include hardworking Navua midfielder Rahul Krishna, Rewa’s Patrick Joseph, and Lautoka’s Epeli Leiroti. Notably, Ba striker Etonia Dogalau, Labasa’s Melvin Mani, and Fiji U19 players Penisoni Tirau and Mohammed Ayman have not been selected.
Fiji’s first match will take place against the Solomon Islands on Monday, September 2, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, starting 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 with a match against Hong Kong-China on Sunday, September 8, at Churchill Park in Lautoka 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.