Defending IDC champions Ba dropped a bombshell when it omitted two of its key members from its victorious BOG and National League series this season from its IDC squad.

Top goalie Nicholas Lawrence and utility Joshua Wilson who played a key role for the Men In Black since joining from Lautoka in the new window faced the axe after failing to attend training.

Lawrence is believed to be in Australia attending a personal commitment while Wilson a tertiary student missed training last week to focus on the Inter Tertiary games in Suva which prompted the officials to drop him from the squad.

Ba soccer boss Rishi Kumar said the team management do not tolerate indiscipline and any player that lacks commitment no matter how famous and experienced he may be was set to face the axe.

“We have selected the players that have shown commitment and trained all along with the team and are confident of our chances in our home ground, said Kumar.

“Some of the key players like Josaia Bukalidi, Avinesh Swamy and Kiniviliame Naika have returned from injuries to make the final 22 and this is a positive sign for the team as a whole.

“Bukalidi and Kalou are doubtful for the tournament as they are still not 100% fit and we will see what the outcome of their medical examination later today says.

“There will be a lot of pressure on the team to perform in front of the home crowd and all teams will be out to upset us but we will just maintain our coolness and approach things as they come.

“All teams are good and we respect all of them as officials and players of all districts have sacrificed a lot to make up their final team for the tournament which indeed is the biggest and the most popular one in Fiji” he added.

With Lawrence’s exclusion the Vodafone sponsored side has only two goalkeepers in the form of Epeli Codro and Jone Sorolo in their squad while youngster Josefata Neibuli has made the final cut and is expected to make his debut in full district colors in the tournament.

Ba faces neighbors Lautoka in its opening pool match on Thursday in what is expected to be a thriller.

The match kicks off at 8.45pm.

The Ba Squad:

Epeli Codro, Avinesh Swamy, Shalen Lal, Manueli Kalou, Ronil Kumar, Jone Vesikula, Tuimasi Manuca, Keni Doidoi, Josaia Bukalidi, Ronald Lawrence, Alvin Singh, Pita Bolaitoga, Maciu Dunadamu, Shamil Rao, Maviliko Nakama, Malakai Tiwa, Malakai Kanihewe, Josefa Neibuli, Kinivilame Naika, Aisea Codro, Rinal Prasad, Jone Sorolo.

Fijilive

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