Former national defender Kishan Sami is set to rejoin hosts Lautoka 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 but has not played for Lautoka recently. He recently captained Sydney Suva to victory in the Sanatan World Cup held in Australia.
His return will provide the Blues coaching staff with additional options in defense. Sami is likely to team up with players such as Ilimotama Jese, Sakaraia Naisua, Sterling Vasconcellos, Epeli Leiroti, and Antonio Tuivuna.
Also returning to the squad is seasoned goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini, who missed the Battle of the Giants due to disciplinary reasons.
Lautoka has been placed in Group A along with Flick Hygiene Suva, Extra Supermarket Labasa, and Stratum Construction/Zeg Investment Navua. The team, coached by Shivam Raj, is scheduled to play its opening match against Navua at 6pm on Tuesday.
Lautoka squad: 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, Beniamino Mateinaqara.