Big Signing for Suva
The Suva Football Association has secured the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) of a top Solomon Island international for the new season.
It will come as good news for the Suva fans who have been concerned about other districts poaching some of their top players in the January Transfer Window.
Suva suspended want-away players, Napolioni Qasevakatini, Laisenia Raura and Antonio Tuivuna over the weekend for allegedly not attending training.
But the move was widely seen as an attempt by Suva to stop the three from leaving. Tuivuna and Qasevakatini are seeking moves away to Labasa, while Raura has been heavily linked with a return to Ba. There is also news from the Western Division involving giants Ba and Lautoka, both preparing for next month’s OFC Champions League.
In this column, SUNsports looks at all the latest news and gossip on player movements around the country.
GAGAME FENI: Hawkes Bay to Suva
After coping some blows in the transfer window, Suva have gone on the attack and signed a top player of their own.
Feni previously played his football for Havelock North Wanderers in Hawke’s Bay, in New Zealand’s second-tier league.
Known for his versatility, the Solomon Island winger should easily fit into Suva’s attack. The 27-year-old has also played in the OFC Champions League and will attempt to help Suva reach the competition themselves this season.
SITIVENI CAVUILAGI and SIMIONE NABENU: Ba to Lautoka
It is rumoured the Ba duo recently visited Lautoka’s camp, in efforts to secure a deal in the new window.
Defensive midfielder Cavuilagi has largely been kept on the bench this season by Narendra Rao, one of Fiji’s best players in that position.
The 18-year-old Nabenu emerged at senior level for Ba in their recent Champion versus Champion Series win against Lautoka. The forward has a wealth of talent but lacks the experience to be a starter for any senior team.
RUSIATE MATEREREGA: Nadi to Labasa
Labasa is said to be interested in adding the Nadi striker to their squad in 2019.
The transfer will depend on whether the Northerners are successful with landing Qasevakatini from Suva.
Matererega is said to be the alternative if Qasevakatini, who has been suspended by Suva, doesn’t come through.
The word from Labasa is that Johan Leewai is prepared to wait till the very last day of the Transfer Window to secure either Qasevakatini or Matererega.
The Babasiga Lions have already signed Ravinesh Karan Singh from Suva and are also awaiting word on the suspended Tuivuna.