Transfer window has closed and players have already featured
for their district. While underdogs Nasinu and Tavua are doing wonders while on
the other side Rewa is struggling for form and there seem to be disharmony
amongst players.
We here look at the top 10 players to look out for in this
season’s Fiji soccer tournaments.
Napolioni
Qasevakatini – Labasa
The deadly striker secured his transfer from Suva in this player
transfer window. He has already led his former districts Suva and Nadi to title
wins and Labasa would hope his lethal touch will help Labasa end their trophy
drought.
Rusiate Matarerega – Nadi
Napolini
Qasevakatini’s departure has left a void in Nadi soccer team’s strike force.
Nadi has not found a replacement for Qase’s position and are heavily depending
on Rusiate Matarerega. Rusi has so far justified the officials fate in him with
a 4 goal haul against Rewa in the National League. Rusiate’s form would be key
if Nadi are hoping to qualify for the O League next season.
Nikhil Chand - Suva
Nikhil
Chand marks his return to Suva after 3 years. Nikhil rose to prominence during
the Under 20 World cup qualifiers where he helped Fiji qualify for its first
ever FIFA officiated World Event. Nikhil was in deadly form for Suva where he
played as striker, winger and central midfield. He slowly lost form after his
transfer to Labasa and was then playing in the 2nd Division with
Lami Football a year later. Nikhil may turn to be Suva’s X factor if he could
replicate his old form.
Bong Kalo - Lautoka
Lautoka
snapped up Vanuatu’s Wonder Kid Bong Kalo during the player transfer window.
Bong Kalo was exceptional during the under 20 world cup where he was the
captain and scored his first goal against Mexico in their first ever World Cup
tournament. They lost the match to Mexico by 3–2. Kalo went on to score two
more goals, including a fantastic free-kick against Germany, however they lost
that match 3–2 as well. Kalo
could make a big impact for Lautoka in this season’s league competition.
Anish Khem – Rewa
Anish Khem will be key for Rewa this season. Rewa signed up
Khem from Dreketi and has already featured for Rewa. Khem grew was in the form
of his life while he was playing for Nadroga, that performance led Nadi
officals to sign him for their O League competition. Khem didn’t disappoint as
he led Nadi’s attack and was Nadi’s top goal scorer. His form has however
dipped recently but as they say “form is temporary; Class is permanent”. Rewa may
be the team that would reignite Khem’s form.
Christopher Wasasala – Suva
Suva had lost both their striker Duo Ravinesh Karan and
Napoloini Qase to Labasa. However, they also got the better of Labasa by
getting their Striking trio Christopher Wasasala, Ratu Anare and Vilitati
Kautoga. Christopher Wasasala is yet to feature for the Capital Side as he is
yet to recover from his injury. Wasasala had been one Labasa’s best players for
past few seasons and this is quite a coup from Suva to get a man who has an eye
for goal.
Benjamin Totori – Lautoka
Benjamin Totori is like a fine wine “they get better as they
age”. At 33 he still has a lot stamina and skills to show for. He was crucial
for lautoka during last year’s O League competiton, where he helped them get
thorough to the Finals. He will the key man for Lautoka again in this year’s
National League.
Ratu Anare – Suva
Suva picked up Anare by swapping Ravinesh Karan and
Napoloini Qase. Ratu Anare has been one of Labasa’s best and consistent
performers. These performances had led Christopher Gamel naming Anare in the
mens national side. Anare has already featured for Suva and has scored 2 goals
already. His combination with another fellow Labasa mate Christopher Wasasala
will prove crucial for Suva in their quest for a O league finish.
Jone Naraba – Nasinu
Jone Naraba has been in
flying form for Nasinu so far in this season. He has not only been scoring but
has been setting up goals for his team mates. His form has helped Nasinu pull
off some major upsets and they are now sitting on the top end of the table. His
combination with Veteran Nasinu rep Jospeh Mishra is recting havoc. They will
be vital in Nasinu’s push to stay up in the league.
Ratu Dau – Ba
Ba snapped up promising young Tavua striker Ratu Dau in this
player transfer window. Dau was sensational for Tavua during last season where
he helped Tavua to beat many highly fancied teams. Born in 2000, Dau is one of
those promising new generation talent that may lead Fiji’s line in the near
future. He may get limited game time however his technical ability and an eye
for goal may see him play more often.











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