Dulwich FC goalkeeper Jerome Narayan has been selected for the Digicel Bula Boys’ 23-member squad for the upcoming FIFA Tri-Nations Series, where they will face the Solomon Islands and Hong Kong-China. Narayan, who was born in Australia, qualifies to play for Fiji through his father, who is Fijian.
In a statement to Fiji FA Media about his selection, Jerome expressed his excitement, 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 described the team training camp in Ba as “amazing,” praising the coaching staff and fellow players for their support.
Jerome added, “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.”
Other notable selections include veteran Rewa utility Samuela Kautoga, who has also made the squad, alongside Suva goalkeeper Akuila Mateisuva, defender Remueru Tekiate, and midfielder Dave Radrigai, who are returning to the national team.
Additionally, hardworking Navua midfielder Rahul Krishna, Patrick Joseph from Rewa, and Lautoka’s Epeli Leiroti are significant inclusions as well. However, some players, including Ba striker Etonia Dogalau, Labasa’s Melvin Mani, and Fiji U19 representatives Penisoni Tirau and Mohammed Ayman, have not been included in the squad.
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. On Thursday, September 5, the Solomon Islands will play against Hong Kong-China at the same venue, also at 7 PM. The Bula Boys will conclude the series 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.