The Nawaka Blues, coached by Vikash Chand, has become the first team to secure a spot in the 2024 Fiji FA National Club Championship. This achievement came after the team triumphed over Gandhi Lionz with a 2-0 victory in the Sher Ali-sponsored Nadi Football Premier Local League final, which took place at the Korovuto College grounds under floodlights on Monday night. Despite being reduced to 10 players, the Blues managed to clinch the win thanks to goals from Mohammed Shalmeen and Shazil Valentine, each scoring in different halves.
The Blues fielded a strong lineup that included William Valentine, Christopher Kumar, goalkeeper Samu Tamanisau, Shafeem Buksh, Mohammed Shalmeen, Sahil Valentine, and Mohammed Ayman. Coach Vikash Singh expressed the team’s determination to make it to 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.”
In contrast, Gandhi Lionz featured players Ame Votoniu, Christopher Chand, Vishant Reddy, and Ashneel Singh. In the semi-finals, Nawaka Blues defeated Army FC 3-2 in a penalty shootout, while Gandhi Lionz outlasted DCA ONE with a 2-1 victory.
Nadi football board member Lawrence Kumar praised the timely completion of the local league, asserting that Nawaka Blues will represent Nadi FA in the NCC. He congratulated them on their victory and expressed hopes of rekindling the glory days similar to those enjoyed by Tanoa FC. He extended gratitude to the teams, officials, and supporters for their collaborative efforts this season, and looked forward to improvements in the coming year.
In the senior division final, Girni FC celebrated their first title by defeating DCA II 1-0. Girni FC reached the final by beating Korovuto 1-0 in the semi-finals, while DCA II also secured their spot by overcoming Barara FC with a score of 1-0.