Nawaka Blues, coached by Vikash Chand, has become the first team to secure a spot in the Fiji FA National Club Championship 2024. This achievement came after the Blues defeated Gandhi Lionz 2-0 in the Sher Ali-sponsored Nadi Football Premier Local League final, held under floodlights at Korovuto College grounds on Monday night.
Despite being a man down, the Nawaka Blues managed to score through Mohammed Shalmeen and Shazil Valentine, who each netted a goal in different halves of the match. The team’s lineup included notable players such as William Valentine, Christopher Kumar, goalkeeper Samu Tamanisau, Shafeem Buksh, along with Shalmeen and Valentine.
Coach Vikash Chand expressed the team’s ambition, stating, “We aim to make the cut for the NCC, the ultimate dream for all teams, and we did it as a team.” Conversely, Gandhi Lionz featured players like Ame Votoniu, Christopher Chand, Vishant Reddy, and Ashneel Singh.
In the semifinals, the Blues triumphed over Army FC with a 3-2 win in penalties, while Gandhi Lionz narrowly defeated DCA ONE 2-1. Nadi football board member Lawrence Kumar praised the timely completion of the local league and congratulated the Blues on their victory, expressing hopes for them to emulate the successes of Tanoa FC in the NCC.
Additionally, Girni FC celebrated their first title in the senior division with a 1-0 victory over DCA II in the final, having previously defeated Korovuto and Barara FC in their respective semifinals.