Nadi will miss the services of key players for the Digicel Premier League match day seven fixture against Rewa at Prince Charles Park on Sunday.
The Jetsetters will be without defender Ame Votoniu, who is injured and also suspended after copping consecutive yellow cards, Josua Tawake who was red carded in the 2-all draw against Navua and Sakaraia Naisua and Ashneel Kumar both of whom are nursing injuries.
The side will also feel the pinch upfront following the transfer of striker Rusiate Matarerega to neighbour Nadroga.
Nadi has had a slow start in its preparations with low attendance recorded since the greenlight was given for training earlier this month by Government and Fiji Football Association.
Nadi coach Shalen Lal said they would be relying on their younger players to fill in the void. Lal said fitness would be the key factor for all teams heading into competition after a lapse of six months.
“Certainly the boys are not the same as at the start of the season,” he said.
“COVID-19 has hit them badly. Some lost their jobs and had to resort to other avenues to put meals on the table for their families.
“So there wasn’t much training as a result fitness is of concern.”
Nadi is placed fourth on the DPL points table with nine points two behind the Delta Tigers.Lal said they have a lot of respect for Rewa.
“We will give our best on the field. Things are not the same as it was back in April when we played last.
“I believe that it will take about six more weeks for the boys to show their full potential.”
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3pm.
