Suva in the hunt for goalkeepers

THE Suva football association is on the lookout for new goalkeepers to join their team.

On Sunday, Suva fielded new goalkeeper Hasmukh Patel in their 2-all draw against Rewa in round two of the Digicel Fiji Premier League.

First choice and national keeper Akuila Mateisuva was ruled out because of injury.

President Intiaz Khan says they need to get in new people for this role as they cannot be dependent on one specific player.

“We have to go back to our executives and get an update on our main goalkeeper. We can’t be sitting and waiting on anyone, we will also look for new keepers because I can honestly say we do not have goalkeepers in Suva,” he said.

“We have an under-20 keeper, but he is injured as well. Akuila sent us a photograph (on Sunday) that his finger is injured, and he cannot hold anything, so he opted to sit out of the game so that’s the excuse he gave but we do not know the reality.”

Khan added; “Hasmukh had a great game against Rewa, that was his second game at this level. He made some marvelous saves, putting his body on the line so he did well.”

Suva football is moving in a direction where giving younger players more game time is a priority.

“We’re giving our young boys game time because if we don’t give them that opportunity then when will they have their chance, when will they grow so that’s the direction we are going. We understand the reality that our older guys will retire one day and when that happens, our younger players will be able to step up and deliver the results so slowly we are incorporating these changes.”

The Whites will face Labasa in round three of the DFPL this weekend and it is likely to be held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Laucala Bay, Suva.