Tabia Sanatan College sealed the Extra Fiji Secondary Schools Football Championship (IDC) under-19 title in a dramatic finale, edging Vunimono High School 1-0 after extra time at Govind Park in Ba. The victory ends a persistent three-year pursuit for the Ba-based team, who overcame a challenging route to reach the final.
Tabia’s triumph comes after a bumpy recent history. The side exited the pool stage in 2023 and then bowed out in the quarterfinals in 2024. Coach Salesh Narayan credited a steady development plan for the breakthrough, noting that a core group from the 2023 squad remained but had to be complemented by fresh talent as senior players moved on. He also highlighted significant hurdles along the way, including limited access to proper training facilities. Nevertheless, Narayan praised the unwavering backing from the school management, sponsors, and supporters that kept the program focused on IDC success.
The win also reflects the IDC’s broader depth and competitive spirit this season. In the other divisions, Labasa College claimed the Under-17 title after a tense 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Tilak High School, while Tavua College beat Vunimoli Islamia College 3-0 to take the girls’ division at the 4R Stadium.
Context from the wider IDC field shows a tournament rich with drama and emerging talent. Earlier rounds featured tight knockout battles, including Suva Muslim College’s dramatic 10-9 win on penalties against Shree Gurunanak Khalsa College after a 2-2 draw in the U19 bracket, and Vunimono High School’s 4-1 triumph over All Saints Secondary School to advance to the semifinals. In the girls’ competition, Tavua College’s comeback run culminated in the latest round of finals actions, with Ba Sanatan College Girls, Xavier College Girls, and Seaqaqa Central also advancing through the later stages.
What this victory signifies is more than a single trophy. It underscores growing resilience and depth in Fiji’s school football, where communities, sponsors, and school leadership are rallying around young athletes to foster continuous development. Tabia Sanatan College’s win adds another chapter to the narrative of a sport that is increasingly competitive at the secondary-school level and bodes well for Fiji’s future talent pool.
Summary of key outcomes:
– Under-19: Tabia Sanatan College defeats Vunimono High School 1-0 after extra time to win the IDC title.
– Under-17: Labasa College defeats Tilak High School on penalties, 5-4, to claim the title.
– Girls: Tavua College defeats Vunimoli Islamia College 3-0 to win the girls’ division.
Additional notes for readers:
– The IDC continues to showcase how strong school programs, sustained coaching, and community backing can lift teams through a multi-year campaign, turning early setbacks into national success.
– With multiple divisions delivering tight contests and surprising results, fans can expect continued excitement as the competition progresses toward its next rounds and potential rematches in future championships.
If you’re following Fiji’s youth football, the current IDC season reinforces a hopeful trend: a deepening pool of capable players, tactical growth across age groups, and a growing culture of support around school sport that could fuel the next generation of national talent.
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