Australian goalkeeper Jerome Narayan is excited to represent his home country in the upcoming Tri-Nations Series taking place in Suva and Lautoka. Narayan is a member of the Digicel Fiji Bula Boys’ 26-player squad, currently training at the Fiji Football Association Academy in Ba.
He expressed his gratitude for the chance to play, 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.” Narayan is among a select group of overseas-based players in the squad, alongside Nabil Begg and Samuela Kautoga from New Zealand.
Describing his experience with the team, Narayan said, “It’s been amazing. It has been a good experience with the boys, and the setup of the camp with coaching has been really good.” He competes for the goalkeeper position against experienced players Akuila Mateisuva and Isikeli Sevanaia.
“I aim to enjoy the experience and contribute to the team however possible. If I can have a strong influence in any way that the coach sees fit, I will do it,” Narayan added. He encourages fans, whether in Fiji, Sydney, or Auckland, to come out and support the team or join online.
Fiji’s first match in the series will be against the Solomon Islands on Monday, September 2, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, starting at 7 PM. Following that, the Solomon Islands will face Hong Kong-China at the same venue on Thursday, September 5, also at 7 PM. Fiji will conclude the series against Hong Kong-China on Sunday, September 8, at Churchill Park in Lautoka at 3 PM, with captain Roy Krishna expected to join the squad for the final match.