Former national defender Kishan Sami is set to return to strengthen the Lautoka team in the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC), which begins on Tuesday at Churchill Park. Sami, who had considered joining Rewa during the mid-season transfer window, has been absent from Lautoka’s lineup for some time but recently captained Sydney Suva to victory in the Sanatan World Cup held in Australia.
His comeback will provide additional options for the coaching staff in the defense lineup, 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 was absent from the Battle of the Giants due to disciplinary reasons. Lautoka is placed in Group A alongside Flick Hygiene Suva, Extra Supermarket Labasa, and Stratum Construction/Zeg Investment Navua.
Under the guidance of coach Shivam Raj, Lautoka 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.