Navua, participating for the first time in the 2024 Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup, is fielding an entirely local squad as the tournament commences today at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Coach Saiyad Ali expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity, highlighting that it allows young players to gain valuable international experience by competing against teams that include professional and semi-professional athletes.
Ali emphasized that, although the team aims to make a statement in the tournament, his primary objective is to provide significant match experience to the younger members of the squad. Many of these young players had missed previous competitions due to examination commitments but are now eager to make their mark.
The Navua squad features national representatives such as Filipe Baravilala, Thomas Dunn, and Rahul Krishna, alongside promising players including Kolinio Sivoki, Zainal Ali, Matthew Charitar, Simione Damuni, and goalkeeper Jovilisi Borisi, who will lead their campaign. 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 kick off their campaign against the AuFFI All Stars at 6:15 PM today.
This tournament serves not only as a platform for competition but as a valuable developmental experience for the emerging talent in Navua’s squad, fostering hope for the future of the team and its younger athletes. With the focus on youth integration, this approach may pave the way for a stronger squad in upcoming competitions.
Leave a comment