Mohammed Nabeel, a promising football talent from New Zealand, is on the brink of realizing his aspiration to play for the national team of Fiji. He shone brightly during the recent Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup held in Lau-toka, contributing significantly to the Auckland All-Stars as they emerged victorious over Manukau All Stars with a 2-0 win in the final match.
Nabeel’s exceptional performance earned him the title of Best Player of the tournament. He expressed his gratitude, stating, “I did not expect the award but I’m thankful to the team.” His excitement is palpable as he prepares to represent Fiji in the upcoming President’s Cup in the Solomon Islands later this month. “It has been my dream since 2022 when I left for New Zealand,” he shared, highlighting the importance of this opportunity.
The Auckland All-Stars showcased a talented roster, including veteran goalkeeper Beniamino Mateinaqara and players like Andrew Naicker, Abbu Zahid, and Munit Krishna. In the semi-finals, the Auckland team triumphed over hosts Lautoka, while Manukau secured their place in the final by defeating the USA All-Stars.
As for the competition’s overall winners, the Auckland All-Stars took home $10,000, while Manukau earned $3,000. Other notable awards included the Fair Play Award for AUFFI All-Stars, the Golden Boot for Garbhan Coughlan with six goals, and the Golden Gloves for Mateinaqara.
This news not only showcases Nabeel’s journey but also reflects the growing talent pool in Pacific football, bringing hope for a bright future in the sport for aspiring players. As Nabeel gears up for the President’s Cup, fans can look forward to seeing how this young talent will shine on an international stage.
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