The Nawaka Blues, coached by Vikash Chand, has become the first team to secure a spot in the Fiji FA National Club Championship 2024, set to take place at the end of the year. This achievement was marked by a 2-0 victory over Gandhi Lionz in the Sher Ali-sponsored Nadi Football Premier Local League final held under floodlights at Korovuto College grounds on Monday night.
The Blues overcame their opponents despite playing with 10 men, thanks to goals from Mohammed Shalmeen and Shazil Valentine, each scoring in different halves. Key players for the Blues included William Valentine, Christopher Kumar, goalkeeper Samu Tamanisau, Shafeem Buksh, Mohammed Shalmeen, Sahil Valentine, and Mohammed Ayman.
“We aim to qualify for the NCC, which is the ultimate dream for all teams, and we achieved it together,” said Singh, a representative of the team.
Gandhi Lionz featured prominent players such as 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 in a thrilling match.
Lawrence Kumar, a member of the Nadi football board, expressed pride in the completion of the local league. “The 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 stated. He also thanked the teams, officials, and supporters for their collaboration during the season and expressed optimism for future improvements.
Additionally, in the senior division final, Girni FC achieved their first title with a 1-0 victory over DCA II. Girni FC secured their place in the final by defeating Korovuto 1-0 in the semi-finals, while DCA II also emerged victorious against Barara FC with a similar scoreline.