Rewa striker and midfielder, Anish Khem, will be play­ing his first Vodafone Fiji FACT tournament with the Delta Tigers.

And the 27-year-old primary school teacher is eyeing a win in the first round against the

Galaxy Hotel/Powerwise Electri­cal (NZ) sponsored Labasa at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on Sunday.

However, the Korowiri, Labasa, native said it would not be an easy tournament.

“This is my first Fiji FACT for Rewa and will do my best for this tournament,” he said.

Khem is the older brother of La­basa rep, Ashneel Raju. Both are part of the national training squad.

He started his football career with the Labasa team in 2011, transferred to Nadroga, Nadi, and Dreketi before he joined Rewa this year.

And despite being from Labasa, he loved playing for Rewa this season.

“Playing in Labasa will be very tough because they will have the home crowd, people will be out in numbers,” Khem said.

“Labasa fans are very crazy, so it might be a difficult place to play but it is all about following a game plan.

“Playing for the Foodcity/ASH Cuts and Style sponsored Rewa team has been great, I love the teamwork and camaraderie.”

The former Labasa College stu­dents said playing football in the past nine years has taught him a lot of things.

“Football relieves a lot of stress and I’ve acquired a lot of skills from training and playing. There has been a lot of learning over the years.”

Khem indicated that his brother is likely to play before his wedding on November 28.

“I think Raju will play the first game against us and we will be at­tending his wedding after.

“Playing against each other has been normal, we treat each other as opponents on the field.”

Vodafone Fiji FACT will start on Saturday at Churchill Park, Lau­toka and ANZ Stadium on Sunday before teams travel to Labasa next week.

Foodcity/ASH Cuts & Styles Rewa Squad:

Simione Tamanisau, Peniame Drova, Usaia Tadau, Josateki Ta­mudu, Patrick Joseph, Moham­med Khan, Anish Khem, Setareki Hughes, Bruce Hughes, Gabiriele Matanisiga, France Catarogo, Tevi­ta Waranivalu, Samuela Nabenia, Inoke Turagalailai, Waisake Na­vunigasau, Kavaia Rawaqa, Koala­sito Posiano, Shavnil Prasad,

Mohammed Naizal, Sailosi Rayaqona, Senirusi Bokini, Mana­sa Waqavou

Head Coach: Marika Rodu

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj