Dulwich FC goalkeeper Jerome Narayan has been selected for the Digicel Bula Boys’ 23-player squad for the forthcoming FIFA Tri-Nations Series, where they will compete against the Solomon Islands and Hong Kong-China. Narayan, who was born in Australia, qualifies to play for the team through his Fijian heritage via his father.
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 praised the team camp in Ba as “amazing,” highlighting the support he’s received from both coaching staff and fellow players.
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 that the coach sees fit, I’ll do it.”
In addition to Narayan, veteran Rewa utility player Samuela Kautoga has also been named in the squad, while returning players include Suva goalkeeper Akuila Mateisuva, defender Remueru Tekiate, and midfielder Dave Radrigai. Other key inclusions are Navua midfielder Rahul Krishna, Rewa’s Patrick Joseph, and Lautoka’s Epeli Leiroti. Notably absent from the squad are Ba striker Etonia Dogalau, Labasa’s Melvin Mani, and Fiji U19 representatives Penisoni Tirau and Mohammed Ayman.
Fiji’s opening match against the Solomon Islands is scheduled for Monday, September 2, at 7 PM at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. The Solomon Islands will then face Hong Kong-China at the same venue on Thursday, September 5, at 7 PM. The Bula Boys will conclude the series with a match against Hong Kong-China on Sunday, September 8, at 3 PM at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The full 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.