Former national defender Kishan Sami is set to reinforce host team Lautoka in the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC) beginning on Tuesday at Churchill Park.
Sami, who had considered transferring to Rewa during the mid-season window, has not played for Lautoka recently but recently captained Sydney Suva to victory in the Sanatan World Cup in Australia.
His return provides the coaching staff with additional options in defense, as he is expected to team up with players such as Ilimotama Jese, Sakaraia Naisua, Sterling Vasconcellos, Epeli Leiroti, and Antonio Tuivuna.
In addition, experienced goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini is also returning 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 face Navua in their opening match 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.