Labasa Youth U16 Team Eyes Title Defense and Future Glory

The Labasa Youth Under-16 team is focused on defending their title in the Fiji Football Association’s Digicel Fiji U16 Youth League Northern division next year. The team showcased significant talent, with five of their players, including Zaman Shah, Meli Goneva, Tukai Rovonukula, Avichal Lal, and Josaia Natubatilagi, having participated in the Fiji U16 trials. Out of these five, Rovonukula, Lal, and Natubatilagi were successfully selected for the national team.

Captaining the team was Rovonukula, a student at Labasa Sangam (SKM) College, who has led his teammates to a successful season. The national squad’s achievement in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup U17 next year adds to the excitement surrounding youth football in Fiji.

During a recent thanksgiving ceremony held in Vunivau, Labasa Youth U16 coach Shalendra Swami expressed gratitude to the 30-member squad. The players hailed from various schools, including Shri Guru Nanak Khalsa College, All Saints Secondary School, Labasa College, Labasa Sangam (SKM) College, Batinikama College, Labasa Muslim College, and Vunimoli Islamia College.

Coach Swami highlighted the team’s impressive record, which included ten matches played against schools in Nadogo, Savusavu, Seaqaqa, Bua, and Dreketi. The squad secured eight victories, one draw against Seaqaqa, and suffered only one loss to Dreketi, along with an astounding total of 68 goals scored throughout the season.

In recognition of his performance, Zaman Shah was nominated for the McDonald’s Elite Player of the Year award during the Fiji FA Awards Night 2024. Swami, who serves as a teacher at All Saints Secondary School, returned as the coach of the Labasa Youth U16 team this year after previously leading them in 2020 and 2021. He expressed his intentions to not only secure the league title again next year but also to prepare more players for the national team.

This article reflects the growing enthusiasm and potential in youth football in Fiji, showcasing the dedication of both players and coaches to achieve greatness on the national and international stage. The achievements and aspirations of these young athletes highlight a bright future for the sport in the region.