Navua, making their debut in the 2024 Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup, has chosen to field a completely local squad for the tournament, which begins today at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Coach Saiyad Ali expressed optimism about this decision, highlighting it as a significant opportunity for the young players on his team to gain international experience. They will compete against teams filled with professional and semi-professional athletes.
Ali stated that their goal is to create surprises and make a mark in the tournament, but his primary objective remains to provide valuable game time for the younger members of the squad. Some of these players had previously missed the Inter District Championship due to examinations but are now ready to contribute in the group matches.
Key national players such as Filipe Baravilala, Thomas Dunn, and Rahul Krishna will lead the Navua team, supported by other talented squad members like Kolinio Sivoki, Zainal Ali, Matthew Charitar, Simione Damuni, and goalkeeper Jovilisi Borisi. However, the team will miss the services of Jackson Wale, Ali Mekawir, and Jared Rongosulia from the Solomon Islands, who have returned home for the holidays.
Navua is set to kick off their tournament campaign against the AuFFI All Stars at 6:15 PM today.
This initiative to field an all-local team not only fosters the development of young talent but also builds community pride and support for local sports. Highlighting the growth potential and excitement around the tournament, it promises to be a learning experience that could yield fruitful results in the long run. Fans can look forward to an exciting match today and the emergence of new stars on the field.
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