Fiji Sun

Young reps for Ba’s ‘Men in Black’

- WAISEA NASOKIA Edited by Osea Bola

The Ronil Kumar-coached Ba football team is banking on young players to rebuild for the future.

And a new look side will play Lautoka in the Vodafone Premier League match at Churchill Park, Lautoka today at 6pm.

Young bloods like Samisoni Waqabuli, Sumeet Gounder, Mitieli Naiviro, Peceli Sukabuli, Lorima Batirerega Jr, Isikeli Sevanaia and Junior Singh were instrument­al in the 5-3 victory over Navua at the Fiji FA Academy ground last Saturday.

Junior Singh is the younger brother of star striker Saula Waqa and Sanaila Waqanicaka­u. Isikeli Sevainaia is the son of former Ba goalkeeper Isikeli Seva and Lorima Batirerega Jr is the son of former Ba and Lautoka rep Lorima Batirerega.

Ba team manager Ranveer Singh said they were rebuilding for the future as many former players had left for other districts.

“We have learnt a lot in terms of the combinatio­n of the boys. The debutants rose to the occasion as a lot of players having moved to other districts..

“The match against Lautoka will be tough compared to last week but the boys are ready to deliver,’ Singh said.

Another star in the making is Malakai Rere who is likely to start from the bench today.

The Men in Black has retained the services Solomon Island-born striker Darold Kakasi who was rumored to join Rewa.

“Darold resumed training with the team on Monday. He is a vital rep for Ba,” Singh said.

He added that Ba FA is waiting for former Lautoka rep Shamil Rao to join the side.

Ex-Ba rep to debut for Blues

Former Ba/Nadi midfielder Malakai Rakula will make his debut for Lautoka against in the Vodafone Premier League showdown against Ba at Churchill Park today. The national rep, who was instrument­al in the 2-2 draw against Nadi in a friendly at Prince Charles Park, Nadi last week, is set to go against his former team.

The 28-year-old said nothing was impossible provided the team plays together and sticks to the game plan set by new head coach Ravinesh Kumar.

“It is a crucial match for the Blues at home, we need to win,” he said.

“I’ve played for Ba and looking forward to play against a new-look side.The Blues are a formidable team.

“We just have to stick to our game plan and we know the fans will be in full force. They deserve a good match at home.”

Lautoka Football Associatio­n president Shalendra Prasad confirmed former Fiji FA technical director Ravinesh Kumar is the head coach.

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 ?? Photo: Waisea Nasokia ?? Ba’s Samuela Drudru in control against Navua’s Matthew Charitar during the Vodafone Premier League at Fiji FA academy, Ba on July 11, 2020.
Photo: Waisea Nasokia Ba’s Samuela Drudru in control against Navua’s Matthew Charitar during the Vodafone Premier League at Fiji FA academy, Ba on July 11, 2020.

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