Former national defender Kishan Sami is set to rejoin the Lautoka team for the upcoming 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 been out of action for Lautoka for some time. He recently played for Sydney Suva in the Sanatan World Cup in Australia, where he captained the team to victory.
Sami’s comeback is expected to provide the Blues coaching staff with additional defensive options. He will likely team up with players such as Ilimotama Jese, Sakaraia Naisua, Sterling Vasconcellos, Epeli Leiroti, and Antonio Tuivuna.
Another returning player is seasoned goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini, who missed the Battle of the Giants due to disciplinary reasons.
Lautoka is positioned in Group A, alongside Flick Hygiene Suva, Extra Supermarket Labasa, and Stratum Construction/Zeg Investment Navua. The team will kick off their campaign against Navua 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.