Former national defender Kishan Sami is set to return and strengthen the Lautoka team for the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC), which begins on Tuesday at Churchill Park. Sami had been considering a transfer to Rewa during the mid-season window and has been absent from Lautoka for some time. Recently, he played for Sydney Suva in the Sanatan World Cup in Australia, leading the team as captain to victory.
His comeback is expected to provide the Blues coaching staff with more defensive options. Sami will likely partner with players such as Ilimotama Jese, Sakaraia Naisua, Sterling Vasconcellos, Epeli Leiroti, and Antonio Tuivuna.
Additionally, experienced goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini will make his return to the squad after missing the Battle of the Giants due to disciplinary issues.
Flick Hygiene Lautoka is placed in Group A alongside Flick Hygiene Suva, Extra Supermarket Labasa, and Stratum Construction/Zeg Investment Navua. The team, coached by Shivam Raj, will play against Navua in their opening match at 6pm on Tuesday.
Lautoka’s squad includes: Epeli Vunivola, Epeli Leiroti, Zibraaz Sahib, Veleni Rasorewa, Sitiveni Cavuilagi, Maciu Tuinuku, Aporosa Yada, Apisalome Ravouvou, Ilisoni Logaivou, Shiva Pillay, Ilimorama Jese, Kishan Sami, Muni Shivam Naidu, Sairusi Nalaubu, Saula Waqa, Antonio Tuivuna, Sterling Vasconcellos, Usman Omede, Poasa Bainivalu, Sakaraia Naisua, Senirusi Bokini, and Beniamino Mateinaqara.