Former national defender Kishan Sami is set to make his return to host Lautoka in the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC) starting Tuesday at Churchill Park. Sami had been considering a transfer to Rewa during the mid-season transfer window and has been absent from Lautoka’s lineup for some time. Recently, he played for Sydney Suva in the Sanatan World Cup in Australia, where he captained the team to victory.
His return is anticipated to enhance the options available to the Blues’ coaching staff in the defensive lineup. Sami is likely to partner with players such as Ilimotama Jese, Sakaraia Naisua, Sterling Vasconcellos, Epeli Leiroti, and Antonio Tuivuna.
Additionally, experienced goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini is also making a comeback to the squad after missing the Battle of the Giants due to disciplinary issues.
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 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.