The Nawaka Blues, coached by Vikash Chand, have become the first team to secure a spot in the Fiji FA National Club Championship 2024. This achievement came after the team, despite playing with 10 men, defeated Gandhi Lionz 2-0 in the final of the Sher Ali-sponsored Nadi Football Premier Local League, held on Monday night at the Korovuto College grounds. Mohammed Shalmeen and Shazil Valentine each scored a goal in different halves to secure the victory.
The Nawaka Blues team included notable players such as William Valentine, Christopher Kumar, goalkeeper Samu Tamanisau, Shafeem Buksh, Mohammed Shalmeen, Sahil Valentine, and Mohammed Ayman. Team member Singh expressed their collective goal, saying, “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, the Gandhi Lionz featured players like Ame Votoniu, Christopher Chand, Vishant Reddy, and Ashneel Singh. In the semi-finals, Nawaka Blues advanced by defeating Army FC 3-2 on penalties, while Gandhi Lionz triumphed over DCA ONE with a score of 2-1.
Lawrence Kumar, a member of the Nadi football board, noted the timely completion of the local league by Nadi FA. He congratulated the Blues on their victory and expressed hope that they could replicate the glory days once achieved by Tanoa FC. Kumar also acknowledged the efforts of the teams, officials, and supporters during the season and looked forward to improvements in the coming year.
In other results from the senior division final, Girni FC claimed their first title with a narrow 1-0 victory over DCA II. In the semi-finals, Girni FC defeated Korovuto by the same score, while DCA II also won against Barara FC 1-0.