First-time participants Navua are going with an all-local lineup for the 2024 Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup, which commenced today at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Coach Saiyad Ali highlighted that this tournament presents an invaluable opportunity for his young players to gain international experience against teams that feature professional and semi-professional athletes.
Ali emphasized the importance of this experience, noting that while the team aims to create surprises and make a notable impact in the tournament, his primary focus is to provide valuable game time to the younger members of the squad. Several young talents who previously missed the Inter District Championship due to examinations are now ready to contribute in their group matches.
Key players such as national representatives Filipe Baravilala, Thomas Dunn, and Rahul Krishna, alongside Kolinio Sivoki, Zainal Ali, Matthew Charitar, Simione Damuni, and goalkeeper Jovilisi Borisi, will lead Navua’s efforts in the competition. Notably, three players from the Solomon Islands – Jackson Wale, Ali Mekawir, and Jared Rongosulia – will not be participating, having returned home for the holidays.
Navua will kick off their campaign against the AuFFI All Stars today at 6:15 PM.
This decision to field an all-local squad reflects Navua’s commitment to fostering talent and providing a platform for emerging players to shine on a larger stage. It presents a hopeful scenario, as the experience gained in this tournament could be instrumental in their development and in building a stronger team for the future.
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