Footballers Await Visa Clearance

Five Fijian footballers are awaiting visa clearance ahead of their move to ama­teur Australian club, Frankston Pine FC.

The players include Ba midfielder Kishan Sami, Nasinu goalkeeper Alzaar Alam, Rewa midfielder Savenaca Baleidrokadroka, Lauto­ka midfielder Muni Shivam Naidu and Nadi striker Tito Vodowaqa.

Frankston Pine FC plays in the third division of the Victoria Men’s State League in Australia.

Victorian Multicultural Sports Association president Vishwar Ku­mar said the players were likely to join the clubs by mid-January.

“Right now we still have to sort out visa issues for these youngsters but once it’s done then we are good to go,” Kumar said.

“The boys will join the team later in January when their paperwork is done. The players will be based in Frankston North, a suburb of Mel­bourne Victoria,” he said.

According to Kumar, the five play­ers will sign contracts and work in Melbourne until they can secure professional contracts with A-League teams.

Roy Krishna was the last Fijian international to play in the compe­tition.

“If the players are offered con­tract’s to play in the A-League, it will boost the level of football in the country and help in the devel­opment of soccer,” Kumar said.

“Playing in the A-League will help these players gain the much need­ed exposure and experience in top level football that will help the na­tional team.”

Edited by Sheldon Chanel