The Nawaka Blues, under the guidance of coach Vikash Chand, have secured their spot in the Fiji FA National Club Championship 2024, set to take place later this year. This achievement came after the team, despite playing with 10 men, managed to defeat Gandhi Lionz 2-0 in the Sher Ali-sponsored Nadi Football Premier Local League final, held at the Korovuto College grounds on Monday night. Goals from Mohammed Shalmeen and Shazil Valentine, scored in different halves, sealed the victory for the Blues.
Key players for the Blues included William Valentine, Christopher Kumar, goalkeeper Samu Tamanisau, Shafeem Buksh, Mohammed Shalmeen, Sahil Valentine, and Mohammed Ayman. Singh, a representative from the team, expressed their ambition to qualify for the National Club Championship, 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 other hand, Gandhi Lionz featured players such as Ame Votoniu, Christopher Chand, Vishant Reddy, and Ashneel Singh. In their path to the final, the Blues triumphed over Army FC in the semi-final, winning 3-2 in a penalty shootout, while Gandhi Lionz narrowly defeated DCA ONE 2-1.
Lawrence Kumar, a member of the Nadi football board, remarked that the Nadi FA successfully completed its local league season and congratulated the Blues on their win. He stated, “Blues will represent Nadi FA in the NCC, and we hope they can bring back the glory days that Tanoa FC experienced. We need to thank the teams, officials, and supporters for their collaboration this season, and we look forward to improving next year.”
In the senior division final, Girni FC also celebrated a milestone, claiming their first-ever title with a 1-0 victory over DCA II. In the semi-finals, Girni FC secured their place by defeating Korovuto 1-0, while DCA II triumphed over Barara FC with the same score.