The Navua Football Association has appointed Maxwell Thaggard, affectionately known as Babs Khan, as the interim coach for the team following the departure of Saiyad Ali, who has relocated to the United States for personal reasons. This change comes as the team prepares for their upcoming Extra Premier League match against Suva at the Uprising Sports Centre in Pacific Harbour.
Neel Singh, secretary of the Navua FA, confirmed this transition, emphasizing Thaggard’s extensive coaching background and previous successes with teams like Suva. Since taking the reins on Tuesday, Thaggard has been actively training the squad, with high expectations from the association for him to maintain the momentum left by Ali, who played a pivotal role in the team’s development over the past few years.
Ali expressed his commitment to return to Navua in the future, although specific timelines remain undetermined. The association has acknowledged his significant contributions that have helped elevate Navua in the competitive landscape of Fijian football.
Thaggard’s experience includes leading Suva to success in various tournaments, and expectations are high for him to replicate that performance with the current roster at Navua. Singh’s confidence in Thaggard suggests an optimistic outlook for the upcoming matches, particularly with a mixture of seasoned and emerging players on the team.
This coaching change is seen as a new chapter for Navua FC, creating potential for growth and success as the team aims for a strong showing in the league ahead. With the football community rallying behind them, there is hope for an invigorating season filled with achievements.
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