Former national defender Kishan Sami is set to make his comeback with Lautoka in the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC), which begins on Tuesday at Churchill Park. Sami, who had been considering a transfer to Rewa during the mid-season transfer window, has not played for Lautoka in some time. He recently led Sydney Suva to victory as captain in the Sanatan World Cup held in Australia.
Sami’s return will provide the coaching staff with additional options on defense as he joins other team players such as Ilimotama Jese, Sakaraia Naisua, Sterling Vasconcellos, Epeli Leiroti, and Antonio Tuivuna.
In addition, experienced goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini, who was suspended during the Battle of the Giants due to disciplinary reasons, is also making his return to the team.
Lautoka is placed in Group A along with Flick Hygiene Suva, Extra Supermarket Labasa, and Stratum Construction/Zeg Investment Navua. They are scheduled to play their first match 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.