The Lautoka football team, hosts of the 2024 Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup, is determined to secure yet another title as they head into the upcoming season. Following their victories in this year’s Fiji FACT and Battle of the Giants tournaments, the team, coached by Shivam Raj, aims to add another trophy to their collection.
However, the path to success will be challenging. Lautoka finds itself placed in a competitive group alongside last season’s runners-up, the Manukau All Stars, as well as AuFFI All Stars and Navua. To bolster their chances, Lautoka has enhanced their squad by recruiting former Fiji U20 players such as Savenaca Baledrokadroka, Junior Dekedeke, and New Zealand-based talents Mohammed Aadil, Mohammed Aaron Arif, and Mason Wells. Additionally, the return of experienced goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini and seasoned midfielder Edwin Sahayam will provide extra strength to the team.
Despite the excitement of this new season, the team will miss the contributions of Epeli Leiroti and Antonio Tuivuna due to injuries. Nevertheless, they have a solid group of regulars, including Saula Waqa, Sairusi Nalaubu, Aporosa Yada, Zibraaz Sahib, Ilimotama Jese, Kishan Sami, Sterling Vasconcellos, and Sakaraia Naisua, ready to lead the charge on home ground.
Lautoka’s first match will be against the NZFFI Manukau All Stars, scheduled as the final match on Day 1 at 8:45 PM.
This season offers Lautoka an opportunity to continue their winning legacy, and the excitement surrounding the tournament indicates a bright future for the team, despite the challenges they face. Their strong recruitment and regular players’ experience could very well lead them to another successful year on the field.
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