Adi Cakobau School makes a bold football debut, exits with pride after a 1-0 defeat
Adi Cakobau School (ACS) made a bold entrance to Fiji’s secondary school football scene, narrowly losing 1-0 to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School in their debut outing at the Inter-District Championship. Although their campaign ended at the pool stage, the Sawani school left a lasting impression with flair, grit and a clear message that they belong on football’s biggest stage.
Coach Areshma Prasad praised the team for their first IDC experience, saying, “This is the first time for ACS to play in the IDC, and it was a good experience for our girls. We thank our principal for giving us the okay to come and participate.” He stressed the players’ qualities, noting, “The girls are all brilliant football talents. They did well, and for first timers, the results were very encouraging.”
ACS’s foray into football is particularly notable given the school’s pedigree in athletics. The Sawani girls have long been celebrated on the track, and this initiative signals a broader expansion into multiple sporting codes. The departure from the pool stage is tempered by pride and the valuable lessons the team can carry forward as they seek to grow in football just as they have on the athletics field.
This year’s competition has seen a wave of new participants, underscoring Fiji’s growing enthusiasm for secondary school football. The event is hosted at the 4R Stadium in Ba, with Extra stepping in as a major sponsor to support the championship. The federation highlighted that the field features several debutants, including ACS alongside other schools such as Duavata Secondary School, Nilsen College, and Ba Methodist in the U19 Boys division, while ACS’s Girls Division entry placed them in Pool A.
The IDC’s expanding footprint and the backing from sponsors and the Fiji Football Association reflect a broader push to nurture young talent across the country. For ACS, this debut represents more than a tournament result; it marks the start of a new chapter in football for a school known for excellence on the track. With continued support from the school leadership, alumni and local community, ACS can build on this foundation to develop a sustainable football program and inspire more young athletes to pursue excellence across sports.
Summary and outlook:
– ACS debuted in the IDC, narrowly losing 1-0 to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School.
– The result, while not a progression, showcased the team’s potential and fight as first-timers.
– The debut aligns with a broader trend of new schools entering Fiji’s secondary football scene, with events held at the Ba 4R Stadium and backed by sponsors like Extra.
– The experience provides a hopeful pathway for ACS to broaden its athletic reach beyond track and field into football, leveraging its established discipline and fitness culture.
Additional note:
– The positive momentum suggests ACS can use this experience to accelerate development in football, potentially drawing on the school’s track success to cultivate speed, endurance and tactical understanding on the field.
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