The 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 team defeated Gandhi Lionz 2-0 in the Sher Ali-sponsored final of the Nadi Football Premier Local League, held under the floodlights at Korovuto College on Monday night.
The Blues managed to clinch the victory with goals from Mohammed Shalmeen and Shazil Valentine, each scoring in different halves despite playing with ten men. The team featured talents such as William Valentine, Christopher Kumar, goalkeeper Samu Tamanisau, Shafeem Buksh, Mohammed Shalmeen, Sahil Valentine, and Mohammed Ayman.
Singh, a member of the Blues, expressed their commitment to their goal, stating, “We aim to make the cut for the NCC, the ultimate dream for all teams, and we did it as a team.”
On the opposing side, Gandhi Lionz had players like Ame Votoniu, Christopher Chand, Vishant Reddy, and Ashneel Singh. In the semi-finals, the Blues triumphed over Army FC in a penalty shootout, winning 3-2, while Gandhi Lionz narrowly defeated DCA ONE 2-1.
Lawrence Kumar, a member of the Nadi football board, noted that the Nadi FA completed its local league on schedule. He congratulated the Blues on their victory and expressed hopes that they would restore the glory days of Tanoa FC. Kumar also thanked the teams, officials, and supporters for their collaboration throughout the season, looking forward to improvements in the next year.
In the senior division final, Girni FC celebrated their first-ever title, edging out DCA II with a close 1-0 victory. Girni FC also secured their place in the final with a 1-0 win over Korovuto in the semi-finals, while DCA II defeated Barara FC by the same score.