The Nawaka Blues, coached by Vikash Chand, have become the first team to secure a spot in the Fiji FA National Club Championship 2024, set to take place later this year. This milestone was achieved when Mohammed Shalmeen and Shazil Valentine each scored a goal in different halves, leading the 10-man Blues to a 2-0 victory over Gandhi Lionz in the Sher Ali-sponsored Nadi Football Premier Local League final, which was held under the floodlights at the Korovuto College grounds on Monday night.
The Blues featured key players including William Valentine, Christopher Kumar, goalkeeper Samu Tamanisau, Shafeem Buksh, Mohammed Shalmeen, Sahil Valentine, and Mohammed Ayman. Singh expressed the team’s ambitions, 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 opposite side, Gandhi Lionz had players such as Ame Votoniu, Christopher Chand, Vishant Reddy, and Ashneel Singh in their lineup. In the semi-finals, the Blues secured their place in the final by defeating Army FC 3-2 on penalties, while Gandhi Lionz narrowly advanced, overcoming DCA ONE with a 2-1 win.
Nadi football board member Lawrence Kumar announced that the Nadi FA had successfully completed its local league. He congratulated the Blues, saying, “Blues will represent Nadi FA in the NCC, and we hope they can bring back the glory days, similar to what Tanoa FC achieved.” He also expressed gratitude to the teams, officials, and supporters for their collective efforts throughout the season, noting hopes for improvement in the coming year.
In the senior division final, Girni FC celebrated their first-ever title with a 1-0 victory over DCA II, with Girni FC having previously defeated Korovuto 1-0 in the semi-finals, while DCA II bested Barara FC with the same scoreline.