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 follows their 2-0 victory over Gandhi Lionz in the Sher Ali-sponsored Nadi Football Premier Local League final, held on Monday night at the Korovuto College grounds.
Despite being down to 10 players, Nawaka Blues managed to score thanks to goals from Mohammed Shalmeen and Shazil Valentine, each netting a goal in separate halves. Key players for the Blues included William Valentine, Christopher Kumar, goalkeeper Samu Tamanisau, Shafeem Buksh, Mohammed Shalmeen, Sahil Valentine, and Mohammed Ayman.
Expressing the team’s ambitions, Singh stated, “Our goal was to qualify for the NCC, the ultimate dream for all teams, and we achieved it together.” In contrast, Gandhi Lionz were led by players such as Ame Votoniu, Christopher Chand, Vishant Reddy, and Ashneel Singh.
In the semi-finals, Nawaka Blues triumphed over Army FC in a penalty shootout after a 3-2 outcome, while Gandhi Lionz narrowly defeated DCA ONE 2-1 in a thrilling match. Lawrence Kumar, a member of the Nadi football board, acknowledged the timely completion of Nadi FA’s local league. He congratulated the Blues on their victory and expressed hope that they could replicate the glory days of Tanoa FC.
Kumar also thanked the teams, officials, and supporters for their collaboration and dedication throughout the season, hoping for improvements in the coming year. In the senior division final, Girni FC claimed their first title with a 1-0 win over DCA II. Girni FC reached the finals by defeating Korovuto 1-0 in the semi-finals, while DCA II overcame Barara FC with the same score.