Navua FC is making their debut in the 2024 Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup, opting for an entirely local roster as the tournament kicks off today at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Coach Saiyad Ali believes this presents a fantastic opportunity for his young squad to gain invaluable international experience by competing against teams comprised of both professional and semi-professional players.
Ali emphasized that while his team aims to make a mark and potentially cause some upsets, the primary focus will be on providing game time for the younger players. Several youngsters, who were unable to participate in the recent Inter District Championship due to examinations, are returning to join the team for this competition.
The squad features national representatives including Filipe Baravilala, Thomas Dunn, and Rahul Krishna, along with other talented players such as Kolinio Sivoki, Zainal Ali, Matthew Charitar, Simione Damuni, and goalkeeper Jovilisi Borisi, who will lead Navua’s campaign. However, the team will be missing the Solomon Islands trio of Jackson Wale, Ali Mekawir, and Jared Rongosulia, who have returned home for the holidays.
Navua is set to kick off their campaign against the AuFFI All Stars at 6:15 PM today.
This tournament could be a pivotal moment for Navua, demonstrating their commitment to nurturing local talent and building a strong foundation for the future of the club. The experience gained in this competition can significantly contribute to the development of grassroots football in the region.
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