Vanuatu star Kalo on his way to Lautoka for the OCL
Bong Kalo is on the verge of a move to Fiji to play for Lautoka in the 2019 OFC Champions League.
The news was first reported by newspaper The Fiji Times, who said the 21-year-old, who is currently playing for Ifira Black Bird in his home country, is one of three players the Blues are looking to bring in ahead of their continental campaign.
The newspaper Daily Post in Vanuatu confirms the claim and cites a letter written by Kalo to his team’s Directors and Managers dated January 4th where the player requests a transfer.
The letter reads: “I am writing formally to you to inform you that I would like to play for Lautoka FC for the 2019 season. Therefore I am requesting for you Federation to seek for my International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
I am currently playing for Ifira Black Bird in Vanuatu.
Should there be any further clarification please feel free to contact Lautoka FC on my behalf.
Yours sincerely, Bong Kalo.”
Kalo has been in the spotlight quite a bit since his breakout at the 2017 U20 World Cup in South Korea. He had a trial at Spanish La Liga side Leganes, before signing with Ascona in the lower leagues of Switzerland.
He returned to Vanuatu to play for Nalkutan in the 2018 Champions League and earlier this month the Daily Post reported that Hekari United of Papua New Guinea, who are returning to the NSL this year, were interested in his services.
However, it looks like Vonnie Kapi Natto was unsuccessful in bringing in the talented youngster and his new destination looks likely to be Fiji and Lautoka.
Lautoka will host Group B of the Champions League. AS Central Sport from Tahiti, Papua New Guinea’s debutants Morobe Wawens and Solomon Islands newcomers Henderson Eels will be the opponents for Kalo and Lautoka.
The Fijian side enjoyed a stellar campaign last year making it all the way to the final before being defeated by Team Wellington over two legs.
Perhaps the addition of Kalo could be what they need to take the next step.
