New reps to be in action

THE ball is finally set to roll and the eagerly-awaiting district fans would see popular names lacing up their boots to feature in different colours when the premier league kicks off this weekend.

Former Nasinu reps Marlon Taihoa, Sekove Navakananumi, Jone Naraba and Isikeli Ratucava have made their debut for Labasa while Lautoka’s Shazil Ali, Merrel Nand and Rewa’s Mohammed Ramzan have donned the white jumper against Labasa in the 2020 Pillay Garment Champion v Champion series.

Labasa plays Ba this Saturday at Subrail Park in Labasa at 1.30pm while Suva will play Rewa at the ANZ Stadium on Sunday at 3pm.

Former Ba and national team defender Kishan Sami will make his debut for Rewa with Madhwan Goundar returning to the Delta Tiger from Suva.

Lautoka have signed Nadi defender Alfraz Ali, Suva striker Sairusi Nalaubu, former Lautoka, Ba, Suva and national team goalkeeper Beniamino Mateinaqara, Ba and former national U20 goalkeeper Misiwane Nairube.

Lautoka will host Navua at Churchill Park in Lautoka while Nadroga will play Nadi at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on Sunday. Both matches will be played at 3pm. Navua has recruited Nadi midfielder Zainal Ali, Nasinu utility Jashnit Vikash and Solomon Islander Patrick Taroga, Lautoka and Nasinu defender Arami Manumanubai while making his return from Lautoka is utilty Netani Doli.

Avinesh Waran Suwamy will be seen back in the black jumper from Nadi with former Suva and Tailevu Naitasiri goalkeeper Tevita Koroi, former Tavua and Lautoka rep Husseini Khan and Shameel Rao. Who will start and shine will be seen this weekend.

USA-BASED national women’s team striker Trina Davis has become the first Fijian to become a professional woman footballer.

Despite signing a professional contract to play football in Israel, Davis says she will always be available to represent the Fijian women’s team.

“Fiji will always be my team and my home, I will always play and represent Fiji no matter where or what team I play for. Fiji is going to the World Cup 2023, mark my words.

“I am in contact with Coach Marika Rodu and have assured him that I will be available for Fiji during the play-offs. Fiji is my first priority and I love to play for my country,” she said.

“I’m going to wear number 9 jumper and I chose 9 because I’m also 9 for Fiji,” said Davis.

The speedster confirmed that she has signed until June and will be back