Former national defender Kishan Sami is set to rejoin the Lautoka team 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 transfer window and has not played for Lautoka in some time. Recently, he represented Sydney Suva in the Sanatan World Cup in Australia, where he successfully led the team as captain.
His return is anticipated to enhance the defensive options for the Blues’ coaching staff. Sami will likely team up 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 reasons.
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 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.