THE Lautoka Blues has been bolstered with the return of prolific goal scorer Osea Vakatalesau ahead of its friendly game against the touring Team Wellington on Friday at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.
The star striker missed out on the Courts Inter District Championship and the recent Pacific Cup because of injury, but good news to the Lautoka fans he has fully recovered and has been training with the side this week.
Vakatalesau who has the experience of playing in the O’ League is expected to combine with Samuela Drudru up front against Wellington.
Lautoka soccer boss Abdul Kadar said the inclusion of Vakatalesau had lifted the morale of the players against Wellington since five of the players were in Vanuatu with the Vodafone Fiji soccer team.
He said the team would be given a taste of what to expect in the O’League when they played against Wellington and the presence of Vakatalesau would be vital for the Blues.
“This is a huge boost to the team to have one of the best strikers joining the side,” said Kadar.
“Osea has a vast experience in the O’League and will play a key role for the Blues against Wellingtonm.
“He has fully recovered from the injury and he is an asset to the team.”
Kadar said the absence of their five national reps would inspire few young boys in the team to prove their worth. Lautoka players in the Fiji team are Dave Radregai, Kavaia Rawaqa, Christopher Wasasala and Kolinio Sivoki.
“This is also a good time to try out a few new boys in the training squad. We have three under-18 players in the team and this is apart from other new boys in the side who are eying a spot against Wellington.”
The Lautoka soccer president is calling on the fans to turn up in huge numbers to cheer the boys.
“We are requesting the fans to dress in blue and support the side,” Kadar added.
