Dulwich FC goalkeeper Jerome Narayan has been selected for the Digicel Bula Boys’ 23-member squad in preparation for the upcoming FIFA Tri-Nations Series against the Solomon Islands and Hong Kong-China. Narayan, who was born in Australia, is eligible to play for Fiji due to his father’s heritage.
Expressing his excitement about being chosen, Jerome told Fiji FA Media, “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,” noting the support from both the coaching staff and 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 when the coach sees fit, I’ll do it,” he added.
In other squad news, veteran utility player Samuela Kautoga from New Zealand has also made the team, along with Suva goalkeeper Akuila Mateisuva, defender Remueru Tekiate, and midfielder Dave Radrigai who are all returning to national duty. Other significant additions to the squad include 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 been excluded.
The Bula Boys are scheduled to face the Solomon Islands in their opening match on Monday, September 2, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, starting at 7 PM. The Solomon Islands will take on Hong Kong-China at the same venue on Thursday, September 5, also at 7 PM. The series will conclude for the Bula Boys against Hong Kong-China on Sunday, September 8, at Churchill Park in Lautoka, with kickoff set for 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.