Labasa will begin their 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship campaign with a significantly altered squad after making four late changes to their final 22-player list.
Papua New Guinea international Rex Naime, Joseph Joe, Akeimi Ralulu and Melvin Mani have all been removed from the squad ahead of the tournament opener against Suva.
Naime’s absence is one of the most notable changes. The PNG international had been part of Labasa’s attacking group during the season but has now been replaced in the final IDC squad by young player Rapoama Dakai.
There has been no confirmation at this stage that Naime has left Labasa permanently, meaning his omission should currently be treated specifically as an IDC squad decision rather than the end of his time with the Babasiga Lions.
Joseph Joe is another significant name missing from the final selection, with youngster Meli Muasobu taking his place. As with Naime, no further details have yet been released regarding Joe’s situation beyond his removal from the IDC squad.
Labasa have also been forced into changes for two different reasons elsewhere in the team.
Akeimi Ralulu has been excused following a death in his family and has been replaced by Ilaisa Nayasi. However, Nayasi will not provide an immediate solution for Labasa, as he must serve a suspension during the opening two matches following a red card received at the Battle of the Giants.
Melvin Mani is also out of the final squad while remaining in New Zealand.
The midfielder was recently suspended from all football activities after travelling to New Zealand and participating in the Sanatan IDC without clearance while he had been expected to be involved with the Fiji national team.
His appeal was scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, but his continued stay in New Zealand means he will not be available for Labasa during the IDC pool stage. Timoci Naitini has replaced him in the final 22.
The reshuffle means three young players — Naitini, Muasobu and Dakai — have been brought into Labasa’s final squad at short notice.
It creates an additional challenge for the Babasiga Lions in what is arguably the most demanding group of the tournament.
Labasa have been drawn alongside defending champions Rewa, Suva and Nasinu in Pool A, with only two teams progressing to the semi-finals.
Their campaign begins against Suva at HFC Bank Stadium, with the Capital City side themselves strengthened by the arrival of several New Zealand-based players.
For Labasa, however, the immediate task will be adapting to a squad that looks considerably different from the one initially expected to contest the IDC.
The tournament will also provide an unexpected opportunity for some of the club’s younger players, particularly Dakai and Muasobu, following the late withdrawals of Naime and Joe.
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