Some Signings Yet to Show Up
The heat is on in Fiji Football Association’s January Transfer Window as it enters its final 12 days.
Districts have used all available tools to get one over on their rivals in this window, including player suspensions, up-front payments and more.
There has also been a considerable amount of angry jostling and negotiation between team officials, the full extent of which will surely manifest in matches this season.
Today’s news again comes from the Western Division, while Southern giants Rewa have also made a few enquiries.
In this column, SUNsports looks at the latest news and gossip on player movements around the country.
BA SIGNINGS YET TO SHOW UP
The westerners had supposedly secured the signatures of Suva’s Laisenia Raura, Lautoka’s Mohammed Shazil, Nadi’s William Valentine and Tavua’s Kaliova Dau.
Of the four, only Shazil has been regularly training with the team at the Xavier College grounds ahead of their Vodafone Premier League encounter against Nasinu tomorrow. Dau returned on Thursday from Under-23 national team commitments.
Raura’s situation has been complicated by a suspension issued by his current district Suva for allegedly missing training.
He cannot leave until a disciplinary board has heard his case.
It is unclear what the situation with Valentine is.
Sources say Nadi officials have persuaded the midfielder to stay with them for one more season.
JALE DRELOA: Labasa to Rewa
The former Fiji Under-20 captain is looking to don the red jersey this season, and the Rewa officials are keen on the transfer.
Dreloa struggled to get game time with Labasa last season and did not make the squad to October’s Inter-district Championship.
The Rewa officials feel interim coach Nigel Khan can help the tough defender re-discover his old form.
They want to give Dreloa a chance to earn his place in the team.
Labasa have been linked with Rewa defender Peniame Drova, but it is premature to say a swap deal will take place.
Drova is more important to Rewa than Dreloa is to Labasa.
Tavua goalkeeper Jovilisi Borisi is also a favourite to join Rewa this season.
RUBEN DEPARTS SUVA
Suva’s Ni Vanuatu midfielder Jacky Ruben has returned to his country of birth to play for Erakor Golden Star in next month’s OFC Champions League.
The Golden Star are in the same pool with Ba and will host all its matches at Korman Stadium, Port Vila.
O-League football can be a major factor in attracting the best players.
-Edited by Osea Bola
Feedback: sheldon.chanel@fijisun.com.fj
