BA- A record number of overseas-based players will feature in the 2008 Inter District Competition at Govind Park from tomorrow.

Nine super premier teams — Navua, Lautoka, Nadi, Suva, Nasinu, Labasa, Nadroga, Tavua and Rewa have resorted to fielding a total of 33 players from abroad namely Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to stop champions Ba from winning yet another title.

The biggest drawcard is Navua’s Danish international Rasmus Henson, who plays for the champion Valur Reykjavik club in Iceland and recently featured in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.

Nadroga is the biggest buyer this IDC after recruiting six players from Australia.Lautoka has three from Australia, while Navua is  banking on its two Kiwi imports.

Ravuama Madigi’s Nadi has three Solomon Islanders and a former Fiji Under-20 defender, now based in Australia.

Nasinu has three Solomon Islanders and Canada-based Jainitesh Narayan, who plays for Calgary United.

Suva has three players from Vanuatu, Labasa is banking on its two from Australia and a former rep, playing in New Zealand has returned home to boost Tavua’s chances.

The 33 are Che Bunce, Mathew Williams, Rasmus Henson (Navua), George Gulu, Aldrine Kilua, Robert Mafane, Jainitesh Narayan (Nasinu), Samir Ali, Stewart Bola, Waisake Sabutu, Lucian Sikawee, Wesley Olea, Takaya Driso, Junior Kluivert (Rewa), Stanley Waita, George Lui, Godwin Bebeu, Inoke Boseilala (Nadi), Nikola Zonjic, Goran Subara, Ali Cem Akbal (Lautoka), Shivan Sami, Angatesh Murti Rao (Labasa), Vimlesh Naicker (Tavua), Veresa Toma, Esala Masi, Rohitendra Sharma, Vuko Tomasevic, Tayfun Derrimol, Tolgay Ozbey (Nadroga), Hamtton Pitu, Tony Chillia, Seimata Chillia (Suva).

Fiji FA chief executive Bob Kumar said tournament rules allowed for three foreigners in every team.

“They will definitely add flavour to the tournament, but at the expense of regular local players.

“Over 30 players have been registered and this includes local players based in overseas, who are coming back to play for the district teams.

"This is the first time for so many foreign players to play in the IDC. In a way it’s good for us because when these players go back, hopefully the will open avenues for our local players."

Lautoka’s Australian import Ali Akbal

Lautoka’s two Aussie imports Nikola Zonjic (Left) and Goran Subara