Striker Anish Khem couldn’t believe his luck when he was named as one of the four replacement players in the Nadi football team to play in the Oceania Football Confederation’s Champions League in Auckland next month.

When approached yesterday, Khem who is a school teacher told SUNsports that it is going to be a huge challenge for him.

“It is an honour to play for Nadi as they are a great team with a good coach (Kamal Swamy) as well,” he said.

“I played for Nadroga and they were a good team too and I did learn a lot from them but with Nadi I have learnt even more and I was expected to gel with the rest of the players and I loved every moment of playing with them.

“I just cannot wait as I have butterflies in my stomach to make my debut for Nadi in the Champions League.”

Khem is originally from Labasa and made his debut for the Babasiga Lions in 2011. The following year he opted to play for minnows Dreketi before he moved to Nadroga last year.

“I was posted to teach in Nadroga and that was why I moved.”

He is also part of the Vodafone Fijian Under-23 squad preparing for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August.

“My career is blooming and there is more to learn as Frank Farina (national coach) had indicated when he moved me to the right back position which is new but I’m enjoying it.”

Nadi FA president Navneeda Gounder said the side would be taking a squad of 18 players including:

Martin Nasova (midfield)

Afraaz Ali (midfield)

Anish Khem (striker)

Andrew Naicker

The players replace James Hoyt, Shoeb Khan, Rajnesh Sharma and Apisai Smith whose registrations have been rejected by OFC.

“Nadi FA has full confidence in the four new players as they will combine well with the other experienced players in the squad,” Goundar said.

“It was a setback for the team but we had to face it. We have a very young team with majority of the players under the age of 23.”

Gounder reiterated that the players know of the undaunted task that lies ahead.

The Jetsetters are yet to name their captain to the Champions League.

The top contenders are veterans Eliki Ravosai, Ilimotama Jese, and Ame Votoniu.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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