New Blues coach wants strong start
New Lautoka football coach Anand Sami has warned his players not to underestimate Nasinu in their Vodafone Premier League clash at Churchill Park, Lautoka, on Sunday.
The former national football midfielder has urged his players to come out firing in their first game. “Nasinu has been a really good
team last season,” he told Fiji FA
Media.
“I’m not underestimating any team because like us they are also preparing well to win.”
Despite losing a few experienced players in this pre-season Transfer Window, Sami says, he will be working with the players he had to make them fit into his system of play. “We should be able to make a good team before our first match, there’s no two ways about it. I see most of the regular players are still there.” Sami has requested Lautoka fans to be patient and give him time to build the team together. Meanwhile, after losing some key players in the Transfer Window Nasinu are not letting any stone unturned in their preparations.
Nasinu Football Association president Oneal Chand said this year they have started with a different mindset.
“Some of our key players have left but we are also scouting for players who will do wonders for Nasinu this year, “he said.
“We will be unveiling some hidden talents in our games.”
Chand said they are also targeting players who would fill the vacuum left by the senior players who have left.
“We have applied the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) for Solomon Islands under-20 midfielder Jared Bently.
“I am also in talks with some of the players that have showed their interest to play for Nasinu.
“I’m thankful to coach Tagi Vonolagi who has continued his role and will prepare a competitive side,” Chand said they are ready for Lautoka.
“We believe Lautoka will come out firing against us as they are also preparing for the Champions League.
“We don’t know much about Lautoka since they have been quiet after losing their key players to Ba but I guess it will be a good game come Sunday,.
The match kicks-off at 3pm.
NAVUA BACK AFTER 5 YEARS
After a five-year lapse the Navua football team have finally made it back to the Vodafone Premier League competition.
They take on Nadi in their VPL opener at the Uprising Beach Resort ground in Pacific Harbour,
Deuba, this Sunday.
The Navua football team made headlines last August after gaining promotion from the senior division. Navua Football Association president Rajeev Prasad said he has faith in the team knowing that the competition won’t be easy.
“It took us nearly three years to build a good team,” he said.
“We have a young set of boys who have fitted in quite well. We don’t have much experience but its district pride and team spirit that which will help us.”
Navua were unbeaten after 31 matches in the Vodafone Senior League competition which dated back to 2018.
The record has caused a few concerns for the Nadi side especially when they will be playing in front of the Navua fans.
It is confirmed that Kamal Swamy will make his return after being appointed as head coach.
The Jetset side have included regulars in striker Rusiate Matarerega, Jeshal Kumar, Ame Votoniu, Afraz Ali and goalkeeper Vereti Dickson. Also in the squad are Vodafone Fijian Under-23 reps Tito Vodowaqa and Peni Tuigulagula.
The duo are currently waiting for their overseas contract.
The match gets underway at 3pm.