Dulwich FC goalkeeper Jerome Narayan has been selected for the Digicel Bula Boys’ 23-member squad for the upcoming FIFA Tri-Nations Series, which will feature matches against the Solomon Islands and Hong Kong-China. Born in Australia, Narayan is eligible to play for the team due to his Fijian heritage through his father.
In a statement to Fiji FA Media, Jerome expressed his excitement about the opportunity, saying, “Any chance to represent the country is amazing. It’s an opportunity for me to represent my dad’s side of the family, and I took it with both hands.” He described the team camp in Ba as “amazing,” praising the support from both 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 influence the team positively in any way that the coach sees fit, I’ll do it,” he added.
Also making the squad is veteran Rewa utility player Samuela Kautoga, along with Suva goalkeeper Akuila Mateisuva, defender Remueru Tekiate, and midfielder Dave Radrigai, who are all returning to national duties. Notable inclusions include Navua midfielder Rahul Krishna, Rewa’s Patrick Joseph, and Lautoka’s Epeli Leiroti. However, Ba’s Etonia Dogalau, Labasa’s Melvin Mani, and Fiji U19 representatives Penisoni Tirau and Mohammed Ayman have not been selected.
Fiji’s first match will be against the Solomon Islands on Monday, September 2, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, scheduled for 7 PM. Following that, the Solomon Islands will face Hong Kong-China at the same venue on Thursday, September 5, at 7 PM. The series will conclude for the Bula Boys with a match against Hong Kong-China on Sunday, September 8, at Churchill Park in Lautoka, beginning 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.