After a 28-year wait, the Smart Security Services/Galgary-sponsored Nadi football team is eager to claim the Rooster Chicken/Scoop Ice Cream Battle of the Giants title.
Currently undefeated, Nadi, also known as the Green Machine, is set to face Flick Suva at the HFC Bank stadium in Suva this Saturday in the first semi-final match.
“We aim to restore Nadi’s lost pride; 28 years is a long time,” said Nadi FA Board of Control executive Lawrence Kumar.
“The team performed well in the group stages, finishing as pool leaders. Facing Suva on their home ground will be challenging, but the team is preparing for that,” Kumar added.
Kumar mentioned that the players are focusing on their combinations and strategies.
He encouraged fans to come out in large numbers to support the team, led by captain Ame Votonui. The team will rely on key player William Valentine among others.
Nadi last won the Battle of the Giants title in 1996, defeating Tavua 3-1 in the final.
However, Nadi lost to Nadroga 2-1 in a warm-up match at the Korovuto College ground on Sunday.
Nadi is in Group B alongside Labasa, Lautoka, and Navua, while Group A includes Suva, Rewa, Ba, and Nadroga.
In the other semi-final, Rewa will face Lautoka.
A new champion will be crowned this weekend as defending champions Labasa have been eliminated from the semi-finals.