The Nawaka Blues, coached by Vikash Chand, has become the first team to qualify for the 2024 Fiji FA National Club Championship. This achievement came after they defeated the Gandhi Lionz 2-0 in the Nadi Football Premier Local League final, held on Monday night at the Korovuto College grounds. The match featured goals from Mohammed Shalmeen and Shazil Valentine in separate halves, despite the Blues playing with 10 men.
The Nawaka Blues team included key players such as William Valentine, Christopher Kumar, goalkeeper Samu Tamanisau, Shafeem Buksh, Mohammad Shalmeen, Sahil Valentine, and Mohammed Ayman. Following the victory, Singh expressed the team’s aspirations, stating, “We aim to make the cut for the NCC, the ultimate dream for all teams, and we did it as a team.”
The Gandhi Lionz, who faced defeat, had players like Ame Votoniu, Christopher Chand, Vishant Reddy, and Ashneel Singh on their roster. In the semi-finals, the Blues triumphed over Army FC in a penalty shootout, while Gandhi Lionz narrowly defeated DCA ONE.
Lawrence Kumar, a board member of Nadi football, remarked on the successful completion of the local league, congratulating the Blues for their victory and expressing hope that they would replicate the success of Tanoa FC in the NCC. He also acknowledged the efforts of teams, officials, and supporters throughout the season and looked forward to improvements in the coming year.
In another notable match, Girni FC secured their first-ever title in the senior division, winning 1-0 against DCA II. Girni FC reached the finals after defeating Korovuto 1-0 in the semi-finals, while DCA II also won 1-0 against Barara FC.