Suva will take the field in the 2024 Digicel Fiji Premier League against Ba without five key players tomorrow.
Suva FA President Intiaz Khan while confirming this to FijiLive said they will still field a formidable lineup against the Men in Black.
Khan disclosed that Dave Radrigai, Samuela Drudru, Malakai Rakula, Ramzan Khan, and Mohammed Naizal are still away overseas and Flick Suva will rely on a mix of youth and experience.
The Capital City side also lost Filipe Baravilala, Rusiate Matarerega, Sanaila Waqanicakau and Jovilisi Borisi this season to other districts while Ni-Vanuatu attackers Azariah Soromon and Alex Saniel and Solomon Islander Marlon Tahioa have left as well.
“We’re essentially starting afresh, blending our U19 and U17 talents with the few seasoned players we have left,” he said.
“First game as a new management and new team for Flick Suva so we should term ourselves as underdogs in the upcoming matches.”
Khan also compared Suva’s preparation with that of Ba, who have had the advantage of playing in the Champion vs. Champion.
This, he believes, puts Ba in a stronger position as they have tested their squad’s capabilities, unlike Suva, which is yet to solidify its team dynamics.
Further compounding Suva’s preparation challenges are the weather conditions, which have affected the team’s training sessions.
Despite these hurdles, Khan remains optimistic and hopes for favorable weather for their match against Rooster Chicken Ba at 3pm tomorrow at the Ba Academy Ground.
