Xavier College’s Under-19 girls futsal team celebrated a landmark victory yesterday, beating Swami Vivekananda College 6-2 to claim the Fiji Secondary Schools Futsal Championship U19 Girls title at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva. The win marked a remarkable debut for Xavier, who were absent from the tournament when the U19 girls division was introduced last year.
The final was a lively affair, with momentum swinging frequently in a tightly contested opening half before Xavier pulled clear in the latter stages to secure a four-goal margin. Head coach Asish Chand credited the result to a disciplined, focused approach that he says was evident from the squad’s first match through to the final whistle. “This is what every team comes here for. We came with only one focus, one goal—to win this tournament. And for that, I thank the girls,” Chand said, underlining the importance of mindset in the team’s performance.
Chand told reporters the players’ composure and belief were decisive. “They were focused, they were committed, and they believed in themselves. That’s how they were able to achieve what they have done,” he said, adding that the message to the squad during the final was simple: play until the last whistle. Xavier’s Ba-based players answered that call, turning pressure into opportunity and ultimately sealing a memorable triumph for the school and the province.
Team captain Salaseini Ratu, who led the side throughout the tournament, paid tribute to her teammates’ work ethic. “I thank the girls for the win. It is because of their hard work and commitment that made us win,” Ratu said. The captain’s remarks reflected a collective effort on and off the court, with parents, coaches and supporters from Ba noted as sharing in the celebrations after the match.
The U19 girls tournament is a recent addition to the Fiji Secondary Schools Futsal Championship programme, launched only last year to broaden competitive pathways for young female futsal players. Xavier’s rapid ascent from newcomers to champions in their first appearance highlights growing competitiveness across the school circuit and the increasing opportunities for girls in the indoor code.
The FMF Gymnasium in Suva again served as the focal point for the finals, bringing together schools from around the country for a showcase of developing talent. Xavier’s victory will be carried back to Ba as a source of pride for the school and its community, and the result is likely to encourage more schools to invest in structured futsal programmes for female athletes in coming seasons.