The Labasa Youth Under-16 team is determined to defend its title in the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) Digicel Fiji U16 Youth League Northern competition next year. This ambition follows a successful season where the team showcased their talent and resilience.
Recently, five players from the squad—Zaman Shah, Meli Goneva, Tukai Rovonukula, Avichal Lal, and Josaia Natubatilagi—participated in trials for the Fiji U16 national team. Out of these players, Rovonukula, Lal, and Natubatilagi earned spots on the national roster. Rovonukula, hailing from Tabia and studying at Labasa Sangam (SKM) College, served as the team captain.
This year was significant not just for Labasa, but for Fijian football as a whole, as the national U16 team secured a place in the upcoming FIFA World Cup U17. During a thanksgiving event held at Vunivau last weekend, Labasa’s U16 coach, Shalendra Swami, expressed his gratitude to the entire 30-player squad, which included students from various schools, such as Shri Guru Nanak Khalsa College and Labasa College.
Throughout the season, the young players exhibited impressive performance, competing in ten matches against teams from Nadogo, Savusavu, Seaqaqa, Bua, and Dreketi, achieving eight wins, one draw, and a single loss. Notably, they set a remarkable record by scoring a total of 68 goals this year. Additionally, Zaman Shah was nominated for the McDonald’s Elite Player of the Year award at the Fiji FA Awards Night 2024.
Coach Swami, who returned to lead the team after coaching them between 2020 and 2021, aims to not only win next year’s league title but also to cultivate more players capable of representing the national team. His commitment to nurturing young talent highlights a hopeful future for Labasa football.
In summary, the Labasa Youth Under-16 team is looking forward to the next season, buoyed by their past achievements and the progress of their players, particularly with the successful inclusion of several members in the national team. With dedicated coaching and strong team spirit, they are on a promising path to further success.
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