Former national defender Kishan Sami is set to rejoin the Lautoka team as they prepare for the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC), commencing on Tuesday at Churchill Park. Sami had been considering a transfer to Rewa during the mid-season window and has not played for Lautoka in some time. Recently, he captained Sydney Suva to victory in the Sanatan World Cup held in Australia.
His comeback is expected to provide additional defense options for the coaching team of Lautoka. Sami will likely team up with defenders including Ilimotama Jese, Sakaraia Naisua, Sterling Vasconcellos, Epeli Leiroti, and Antonio Tuivuna.
Additionally, experienced goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini will also return to the squad after missing 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. They will kick off their campaign against Navua at 6 PM on Tuesday.
The Lautoka squad consists of: 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.