Nineteen-year-old Esala Ali made history by scoring the decisive “golden goal” during the Fiji FACT tournament, leading Navua to their first-ever tournament victory since joining the Super Premier ranks in 1989. The event was held at Ratu Cakobau Park, where Ali’s goal in the seventh minute of the second extra time against the home team Rewa sparked a wave of celebration among Navua supporters.
“This is the proudest moment of my life. My first Fiji FACT tournament, my first goal,” said Ali, who dedicated the victory to Romulo Kaibau, a long-serving representative of Navua. This triumph is particularly significant for a young team filled with 15 debutants and against the backdrop of their historical struggles, having previously reached the closest title in 1995 during the Battle of the Giants, where they lost to Suva in the finals.
Navua’s coach, Jai Kumar, who had previously coached the team into the Super Premier grade in 1989, played a pivotal role in this historic success. He, along with the emotional president Anil Sharma, expressed immense pride in the players who overcame obstacles and outperformed expectations against seasoned teams.
Navua’s journey to victory included a thrilling semi-final against Ba, where they achieved an unexpected 1-0 win, making their placement in the final even more remarkable. Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, emphasized the importance of self-belief, which proved vital to their hard-fought victories.
This win not only signifies a monumental achievement in Navua’s football history but also shines a light on their potential for future successes. The team’s dedication and resolve reflect a promising future in Fijian football, where young talents are beginning to make their mark against traditionally stronger clubs.
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