Navua, making their debut in the 2024 Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup, is fielding a completely local squad as the tournament begins today at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
Head Coach Saiyad Ali emphasized the significance of this opportunity for his young players to gain invaluable international experience by competing against teams featuring professional and semi-professional athletes. While the team aims to create upsets and make an impression during the competition, Ali’s primary focus is on providing game time for younger players. Some of the youngsters who missed the recent Inter District Championship due to exams have rejoined the squad and will participate in their group matches.
The team will benefit from the talent of national representatives, including Filipe Baravilala, Thomas Dunn, and Rahul Krishna, alongside key players such as Kolinio Sivoki, Zainal Ali, Matthew Charitar, Simione Damuni, and goalkeeper Jovilisi Borisi. Notably, the team will be without Solomon Islands players Jackson Wale, Ali Mekawir, and Jared Rongosulia, who have returned home for the holidays.
Navua is set to launch their campaign against the AuFFI All Stars today at 6:15 PM.
This tournament presents an exciting platform for emerging talents, and with a focus on development, Navua seeks to nurture its young players while creating memorable experiences on the field. The strategic approach could pave the way for future success as these athletes build their skills and confidence in high-stakes matches.
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