Traditional football powerhouse Xavier College is eyeing titles in the inaugural Extra Fiji Secondary Schools National Futsal Championship, which kicked off yesterday at the Fiji Football Futsal Court in Vatuwaqa. Their unexpected entry into the U-16 girls’ division came shortly before the tournament began, following a withdrawal from a competing school.
Coach Krishneel Singh mentioned the limited preparation time the team had, stating, “We had limited time to prepare, some girls were absent, and we had to get them to come to school and train before heading down to play in the championship.” Despite these hurdles, Xavier College has shown remarkable resilience, with all three of their U-16 girls’ teams, along with both the U-16 and U-18 boys’ teams, reaching the finals.
Team captain Inise Vinakadina Cauniogo expressed gratitude towards the school’s faculty for their support, which was instrumental in their success. She reflected on the transition from traditional 11-aside soccer to the fast-paced action of futsal as a new and exciting challenge for many of the girls.
The road to the finals has been competitive, featuring a mix of tough matches, including a close 5-3 loss to AD Patel, a 1-1 draw with Suva Muslim, and a 2-0 victory against All Saints. The championship is set to conclude tomorrow, offering an exciting culmination to this inaugural event.
Building on past discussions around the importance of fostering youth sports, this championship serves not only as a competitive platform but also as a medium for promoting community spirit and teamwork among the young athletes. The dedication displayed by Xavier College and other participating schools exemplifies the growing interest and engagement in futsal within Fiji, paving the way for a bright future in this sport.
Leave a comment