The Nawaka Blues, coached by Vikash Chand, have become the first team to qualify for the Fiji FA National Club Championship 2024, which will take place at the end of the year. This achievement occurred after the Blues, despite being down to 10 players, secured a 2-0 victory over Gandhi Lionz in the Sher Ali-sponsored Nadi Football Premier Local League final held under floodlights at Korovuto College on Monday night. Goals from Mohammed Shalmeen and Shazil Valentine, each netted in different halves, propelled the Blues to their triumph.
The Blues showcased a strong lineup that included players such as William Valentine, Christopher Kumar, goalkeeper Samu Tamanisau, Shafeem Buksh, Shalmeen, Sahil Valentine, and Mohammed Ayman. Coach Vikash Singh expressed pride in the team’s collective effort in achieving their goal of qualifying for the NCC, describing it as a dream for all teams.
On the opposing side, Gandhi Lionz featured players like Ame Votoniu, Christopher Chand, Vishant Reddy, and Ashneel Singh. In the semi-finals leading up to the final, the Blues narrowly defeated Army FC in a penalty shootout, while Gandhi overcame DCA ONE in a tightly contested match.
Lawrence Kumar, a member of the Nadi football board, noted that the Nadi FA had successfully completed its local league on schedule. He extended congratulations to the Blues for their victory and expressed hope that they could replicate the glory of Tanoa FC in the upcoming NCC.
In the senior division final, Girni FC celebrated their first title, winning 1-0 against DCA II. Both teams reached the final with narrow victories in their semi-finals, with Girni FC defeating Korovuto and DCA II overcoming Barara FC, each by a score of 1-0.