Former national defender Kishan Sami is set to rejoin Lautoka for the upcoming 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC), which is scheduled to start on Tuesday at Churchill Park. Sami had been considering a transfer to Rewa during the mid-season transfer window and has been inactive for Lautoka for some time. He recently played for Sydney Suva in the Sanatan World Cup held in Australia, where he led the team to victory as captain.
His return will enhance the defensive lineup for the Blues coaching staff, as he is expected to team up with players such as Ilimotama Jese, Sakaraia Naisua, Sterling Vasconcellos, Epeli Leiroti, and Antonio Tuivuna.
Also rejoining the squad is seasoned goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini, who missed the Battle of the Giants due to disciplinary matters.
Lautoka is placed in Group A along with Flick Hygiene Suva, Extra Supermarket Labasa, and Stratum Construction/Zeg Investment Navua. The team, coached by Shivam Raj, will kick off their campaign against Navua at 6 PM on Tuesday.
The Lautoka squad comprises: 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.