Former national defender Kishan Sami is set to rejoin Lautoka to strengthen the team for the upcoming 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC), commencing on Tuesday at Churchill Park.
Sami, who previously considered a mid-season transfer to Rewa, has been absent from Lautoka for some time but recently led Sydney Suva to victory in the Sanatan World Cup held in Australia.
His return will provide more defensive options for the coaching staff of the Blues, as he is anticipated to collaborate with teammates such as Ilimotama Jese, Sakaraia Naisua, Sterling Vasconcellos, Epeli Leiroti, and Antonio Tuivuna.
Additionally, experienced goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini is back in the squad after missing the Battle of the Giants due to disciplinary reasons.
Lautoka has been placed in Group A alongside Flick Hygiene Suva, Extra Supermarket Labasa, and Stratum Construction/Zeg Investment Navua. The team, coached by Shivam Raj, will face Navua in their opening match at 6 PM on Tuesday.
The Lautoka 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.