THE return of utility player Praneel Naidu will bolster Lautoka’s chances of winning this year’s Vodafone Fiji Fact tournament.
The former Ba rep has served his one match suspension against Wellington in the OFC final last week and is fit to play against Suva tomorrow.
Naidu who scored the OFC semi-final winning goal against Marist FC has been impressive at training and is expected to be at his best during the Fiji FACT.
Team president Abdul Kadar said Naidiu’s return has boosted the players’ morale despite the absence of the two import players Brian Kaltack and Cory Chettleburgh.
He said Chettlburgh and Kaltack have joined their respective overseas clubs.
“The only overseas-based player to feature this week is Benjamin Totori and we are happy to have Naidu back in the team,” said Kadar.
Lautoka will also miss the services of striker Samuela Drudru.
Prominent names to feature for the Blues include national reps Kolinio Sivoki, Dave Radregai, Kavaia Rawaqa, Zibraz Sahib, Beniamino Mateinaqara, Osea Vakatalesau and Jone Vesikula.
The sugar city boys will battle against capital city side in their opening pool game at Ratu Cakobau Park tomorrow.
