Dulwich FC goalkeeper Jerome Narayan has been included in the 23-member squad of the Digicel Bula Boys for 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 to represent Fiji through his father, who hails from the island nation.
Speaking to Fiji FA Media about his selection, Jerome expressed his excitement, stating, “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 described the training camp in Ba as “amazing” and highlighted the support he has received 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.
Additionally, veteran Rewa utility player Samuela Kautoga has made the squad, alongside Suva goalkeeper Akuila Mateisuva, defender Remueru Tekiate, and midfielder Dave Radrigai, who are all returning to national service. Other notable inclusions include Navua midfielder Rahul Krishna, along with Rewa’s Patrick Joseph and Lautoka’s Epeli Leiroti. However, Ba striker Etonia Dogalau, Labasa’s Melvin Mani, and Fiji U19 representatives Penisoni Tirau and Mohammed Ayman have not been selected.
Fiji’s first match in the series will be against the Solomon Islands on Monday, September 2, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, kicking off at 7pm. The Solomon Islands will then face Hong Kong-China at the same venue on Thursday, September 5, also at 7pm. The Bula Boys will conclude the series against Hong Kong-China on Sunday, September 8, at Churchill Park in Lautoka at 3pm.
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.