THE inclusion of a women’s division in the Ariston, Gokals, Whirlpool Southern Business House Futsal Soccer League has added another dimension to the promotion of five-a-side soccer in the country.
Four teams are in contention for the top spot in the Unit Trust of Fiji sponsored women’s division which is for the first time competing alongside four teams from the Poly Products/Philips Lighting sponsored veterans division and 32 teams in the open division.
The highlight match in the women’s division during the second phase of round three pool games on Tuesday evening at the National Hockey Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva was between Bula Events Group and Swire Shipping as both the teams are laced with district reps.
With both teams displaying exceptional football skills amid cheers from fellow supporters and other team players, Bula Events Group managed to edge Swire Shipping with a 3-1 win to further strengthen their position in the points table.
Bula Events Group team captain Louisa Simmons said it was a tough battle against Swire Shipping.
“We anticipated our opponents to come firing at us but with the help of the Almighty and the strength He gave us, we came out victorious,” Ms Simmons said.
“We have a diverse team with district players from Ba, Suva and Tailevu Naitasiri – all of whom play for their own districts in the 11-a-side women’s league so most of us are just here to keep our fitness up and get game time while we’re here in Suva for school and work.
“Before the game we just planned to play simple while keeping it as clean as possible and most important of all was to have fun and we’re looking forward to our other games ahead.”
Conceding defeat, Swire Shipping team captain Susana Tuni said it was a tough game for them this time around.
“I guess luck was not on our side and we just need to get our acts together and work hard towards the finals in our division.”
Tournament organiser Alan Kumar said the event is gaining great momentum and many teams have expressed their interest to participate in the next league series which will carry on to have the women’s and veterans categories as a trend setter for futsal league in the country.
“I believe we have players who can play at international level and all they need is good exposure through consistent participation in such competitions.
The first phase of round four is scheduled to kick-off at the same venue next Tuesday.
Results- Court 2; Supercharged One 3-Supercharged Two 6 (W); Paradise 6-Fiji Ports 2; Carpenters 0-USP 2. Court 3: Swire 1-Bula Events 3 (W); Dulux-PCAL (PCAL won by default); Goodman Fielder 5-LICI 2; Court 4: Global Customs 6-SCC 2 (V); Carpenters 2-FIL Masters 3 (V); Ashabhai 1-Holiday Inn 6