The 24-year-old arrived in the country earlier this year and Suva were quick to make a move when Zhu Lei expressed her desire to join a club.
Suva women’s team director Surendra Prasad says the new arrival is focused on making her mark in the competition and believes she will further boost the club’s chances of earning the women’s IDC title, which is currently held by Ba.
“She has been training well with the team and has fitted in well,” Prasad says. “From her comittment shown at training, I’m sure she will be at her best come the IDC.”
Prasad has been particularly impressed by the ability of the import.
“Zhu Lei is a very skilful player and it is a good opportunity for the other girls to pick up a few tips,” he says.
Suva play their opening match today at 10.45am against Rewa and have another clash later when they meet Lautoka at 4pm.
Zhu Lei says she can’t wait to run out with her new team mates for the first time.
“I’m looking forward to playing for Suva and it should be an interesting competition,” she says.
The Suva squad contained plenty of talent even before the signing of Zhu Lei. National representatives Shirlyn Singh, Mereoni Uluiviti, Lewamanu Moce, Jijilia Luveni and Stella Naivalulevu are all also in the line-up.
Nine teams will participate in this year’s event and have been broken into two groups.
Defending champions Ba have been drawn in Pool One with Nadi, Labasa, Navua and Nasinu, while hosts Suva, Tavua, Lautoka and Rewa are in Pool Two.
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