The Nawaka Blues, coached by Vikash Chand, has become the first team to secure a spot in the 2024 Fiji FA National Club Championship. They achieved this milestone by defeating Gandhi Lionz 2-0 in the Sher Ali-sponsored Nadi Football Premier Local League final, held under floodlights at Korovuto College on Monday night. Mohammed Shalmeen and Shazil Valentine each scored a goal in different halves, contributing to the victory despite the Blues playing with ten men.
Key players for Nawaka Blues included William Valentine, Christopher Kumar, goalkeeper Samu Tamanisau, Shafeem Buksh, Mohammed Shalmeen, Sahil Valentine, and Mohammed Ayman. Singh, a member of the team, expressed pride in their achievement, stating, “We aim to qualify for the NCC, the ultimate dream for all teams, and we did it as a team.”
On the opposite side, Gandhi Lionz fielded notable players such as Ame Votoniu, Christopher Chand, Vishant Reddy, and Ashneel Singh. In the semi-finals, Nawaka Blues triumphed over Army FC in a penalty shootout after a 3-2 tie, while Gandhi Lionz narrowly defeated DCA ONE 2-1.
Nadi football board member Lawrence Kumar commented on the successful completion of the local league, saying, “Blues will represent Nadi FA in the NCC. We congratulate them on their victory and hope they can replicate the glory days of Tanoa FC.” He thanked all teams, officials, and supporters for their collaboration throughout the season and expressed hopes for improvement next year.
In the senior division final, Girni FC celebrated its first championship title with a narrow 1-0 win against DCA II. In their semi-final matches, Girni FC edged out Korovuto 1-0, while DCA II defeated Barara FC with the same scoreline.