After a 28-year wait, the Nadi football team, sponsored by Smart Security Services/Galgary, aims to clinch the Rooster Chicken/Scoop Ice Cream Battle of the Giants title.
The undefeated Green Machine is set to face Flick Suva at the HFC Bank stadium in Suva this Saturday in the first semi-final match.
“We are determined to restore Nadi’s lost pride. Twenty-eight years is indeed a long time,” stated Nadi FA Board of Control executive Lawrence Kumar.
“The team performed admirably in the pool games, finishing as pool leaders. Facing Suva in their home territory will be a tough challenge, but the team is gearing up for it,” Kumar added.
Kumar noted that the players are focusing on refining their combinations. He urged fans to come out in large numbers to support the Ame Votonui-led side.
The team will rely on key players like William Valentine among others.
Nadi last secured the Battle of the Giants title in 1996, defeating Tavua 3-1 in the final.
In a recent warm-up match, Nadi lost to Nadroga 2-1 at the Korovuto College grounds on Sunday.
Nadi is in Group B with Labasa, Lautoka, and Navua, while Group A includes Suva, Rewa, Ba, and Nadroga.
In the other semi-final, Rewa will face Lautoka.
A new winner will emerge this weekend as defending champions Labasa have been eliminated from the semi-finals.