Tavua’s football team earned a spot in the premier division after a 3-1 victory over Bua in their playoff series, which concluded yesterday.
Facing a 0-1 deficit on aggregate at the start, Tavua needed to win by at least two goals to secure promotion. Vilitati Kautoga scored the first goal for Tavua with a volley just before halftime at Garvey Park, giving the home team a 1-0 lead at the interval.
Six minutes into the second half, Manasa Nawakula demonstrated his finishing ability by converting a left-side cross into Tavua’s second goal. Ratu Nalewadonu added the third goal deep into injury time, cementing Tavua’s promotion to the premier division for the upcoming season.
With this win, Tavua claims a place in the top division for next season. They will take the place of either T/Naitasiri or Nasinu, a decision that will be finalized after today’s last round of national league matches.
Nasinu must outperform T/Naitasiri’s results to avoid relegation, while T/Naitasiri will be hoping for a Nasinu loss to Nadroga to secure their place in the top league for another season.
Today’s matches include Nadroga vs. Nasinu at 3 pm at the Uprising Sports Complex, and Ba vs. Rewa at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba at the same time. A doubleheader at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori will see Suva take on Nadi at 1 pm, followed by Tailevu Naitasiri facing Lautoka at 3 pm.
In another football match, Navua achieved a narrow 1-0 win against Labasa in the only Digicel Fiji Premier League clash, with Usaia Tilivarua netting the critical goal in the first half. This victory positions Navua third in the standings with 29 points.