Australian goalkeeper to make debut for Burra Boys

Dulwich Football Club goalkeeper Jerome Narayan has been named in the Digicel Bula Boys 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA Tri-Nation Series against Solomon Islands and Hong Kong.

The Australian-born player is eligible to represent the team because his father is from Fiji.

Commenting on his selection for the Fiji Football Association media, Jerome said: “Any opportunity to represent the country is always a great surprise. This is my chance to represent my father’s side of the family so I grabbed it with both hands.”

He described Barca’s team camp as “amazing” and said the coaching staff and players really helped.

“I want to enjoy this experience and be as much of an asset to the team as possible. If I can have a strong influence in any way that the coach sees fit, I will do so.”

Meanwhile, veteran New Zealander Rewadow wide receiver Samuela Kautoga has also made the cut, while Suva goalkeeper Akuila Mateisuva, defender Remueru Tekiate and midfielder Dave Radrigai are also set to return to the national team.

Other notable selections include hard-working Navua midfielder Rahul Krishna, Rewa’s Patrick Joseph and Lautoka’s Epeli Leiroti, while Ba shooter Etonia Dogalau and Labasa’s Melvin Mani, as well as Fiji U19 representatives Penisoni Tirau and Mohammed Ayman, were left out.

Fiji will play its first match against Solomon Islands at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Monday, September 2 at 7pm.

On Thursday, September 5, at the same venue, the Solomon Islands will take on Hong Kong, China at 7pm.

The Burra Boys will close out the series against Hong Kong, China at Churchill Park, Lautoka, on Sunday, September 8, at 3pm.

Fiji Team– Isikeli Sevania, Samuela Kautoga, Epeli Leiroti, Ivan Kumar, Sitiveni Cavuilagi, Thomas Dunn, Mohammed Raheem, Setareki Hughes, Aporosa Yada, Nabil Begg, Mosese Nabose, Tevita Waranaivalu, Muni Shivam Naidu, Sairusi Nalaubu, Patrick Joseph, Antonio Tuivuna, Filipe Baravilala, Remueru Tekiate, Rahul Krishna, Jerome Narayan, Sterling Vasconcellos, Akuila Mateisuva and Dave Radrigai.