Suva Hits Back in Transfer Tussle

The off-field transfer tussle between Suva and some other districts is threatening to boil over into a fullblown conflict as Fiji Football Association’s January Window reaches its halfway point. Rewa has made no secret of their interest in some of Suva’s top players, namely Simione Tamanisau, Tevita Waranivalu, Madhwan Gounder and Bruce Hughes.

The transfer onslaught, which also involves other districts, has caught Suva by surprise and the team’s executives are fighting hard to retain their players.

By the time the Transfer Window closes on January 31, Suva could end up losing more than half of their starting 11.

That includes Tamanisau, Waranivalu, Gounder, Hughes, Laisenia Raura and Napolioni Qasevakatini.

The western districts have not been quiet either, with Ba, Nadi and Lautoka conducting business in the two weeks since the window opened.

In this column, SUNsports looks at all the latest news and gossip on player movements around the country. Suva suspends 3 want-away players

Rewa Football Association executives are fairly confident of landing their transfer targets from Suva this month.

Ba and Labasa, however, may have to wait a little longer.

Their transfer goals have suffered a setback as Suva yesterday suspended Qasevakatini, Tuivuna and Raura for allegedly breaching contractual obligations.

Tuivuna and Raura are seeking moves away to Labasa and Ba respectively.

Suva clearly isn’t backing down without a fight.

PRANEEL NAIDU: Lautoka to Nadi

The left midfielder, who can also play as a defender, has struggled to find game-time since joining Lautoka from Ba last year. Kamal Swamy prefers to use Kavaia Raiwaqa and Afraz Ali in those positions, and the arrival of Ilimotama Jese mean Naidu’s chances of playing has decreased even further.

While some speculated Naidu was seeking a return to old district Ba for the OFC Champions League, the 23-year-old is said to be interested in a move to Nadi.

The transfer is close to being completed, sources tell SUNsports.

AMANI MAKOE: Rewa to Nadi (or Labasa) The defender is ready to leave Rewa after one year with the district.

Nadi and Labasa are among the suitors but are approaching the transfer with caution. Sources tell SUNsports Rewa is happy to listen to offers for Makoe.

NAPOLIONI QASEVAKATINI: Suva to Labasa. The striker joined Suva in September 2018 and led the line for the capital city team in last October’s IDC.

Qasevakatini’s preferred destination is Labasa, but Nadi have also shown interest in the striker. Qasevakatini is apparently also open to playing for an OFC Champions League team. But the transfer has been made difficult by the suspension Suva has placed on him and some other senior teammates.

With Hughes also seeking a move away, Suva is in danger of losing both their strikers in one Window.

-Edited by Osea Bola