The Digicel Premier League came to an end last weekend, and the Lautoka and Rewa fans had much to celebrate as their teams finished first and second respectively on the points table.
Lautoka was crowned champion after the Blues thrashed Nadroga 3-0 at Lawaqa Park, and the Sugar City boys added icing to their victory cake after outclassing Labasa 2-1 at Churchill Park on Sunday.
Lautoka was consistent with their performance and the Viti Water Flow-sponsored side did enough to nail the title and pocket $18k for their efforts.
Coach Imdad Ali, who had a host of big names, moulded the boys well and guided them to victory.
Interim president, Abdul Khaiyum Rafiq, was full of smiles as he guided the Blues to their sixth league victory.
Rafiq and the team officials must be commended for looking after the players’ welfare!
Rewa clinches second spot
The Delta Tigers picked up lost momentum after a string of losses.
They held the Lions to a 1-1 draw, and beat Ba 1-0.
The Tigers knew they had to beat Nadi, and they left no stones unturned as they hammered Nadi 3-1.
Their goals were scored by Samuela Nabenia, Gabirieli Matanasiga and Epeli Valevou. Coach Rodick Singh and the Tigers will now focus on the OFC Champions O League play-offs.
Gutsy Suva holds Ba Nine-man Suva held the Men in Black to a nil-all draw.
This draw ended Ba’s hopes of fi nishing second on the DPL points table.
Suva had a golden opportunity to fi nish second, but their 1-0 loss to Labasa dented their hopes.
Joeli Ranitu and Emori Raqata were shown the red cards.
Ba was awarded a penalty, but Shameel Rao failed to convert the opportunity as his kick went out of the frame.
Despite missing the Christopher Wasasala and Filipe Baravilala, and playing with nine players, the boys in white held on to secure a point. Ba had numerous chances, but they failed to fi nd the back of the net and finished third.
Navua avoids demotion
The Navua side, which was coached by Master Shafeel and Tagi Vonolagi in the absence of Master Amit Prakash, salvaged some pride as they avoided demotion.
Upcoming star Mannav Permal scored twice to edge the Stallions, whose hopes lie on a protest they had filed against Nadi.
In an exciting fiesta to avoid playing in the senior competition, the boys from the Anaconda Town fought tooth and nail and Permal scored the winning goal, after veteran striker, Osea Vakatalesau, had equalized for the hosts.
Jubilation for Navua, but pain and misery for Nadro, who remained undefeated, last year under Johnny Williams!
Travelling affects Lions
Labasa had the chance to finish second, but continuous travel to and from the main island affected the side.
Injuries and player suspensions also had a huge impact on Labasa, but Master Ravneel Pratap must be commended for giving a break to players like Rajiv Sharma and Pawan Singh, who made an impact for Labasa.
Veteran Taniela Waqa also deserves accolades for playing his heart out, and leading by example.
In future, I hope the Babasiga Lions will not have to travel to Viti Levu to play their home games as fans deserve the opportunity to watch their boys play at home.
The battle on the field must be played even.
Youth players shine
Districts which fielded young players realised the importance of giving youth players a break in the league.
The likes of Thomas Dunn, Mannav Permal, Iowane Matanisiga, Epeli Valevou, Ratu Tauvoli, Tevita Ravia, Merril Nand, Nabil Begg, Muni Shivam, Josaia Sela, Rajiv Sharma and Pawan Singh stood out for their sublime performances.
Mosese Nabose also stood out for Tailevu Naitasiri.
The future of youth football looks bright, and FFA needs to invest more resources and funding in youth football. Sairusi Nalaubu turns heads
This football year belonged to Sairusi Nalaubu.
He was the highest goal scorer in the league, and made it back-to-back league titles.
Last year he won the title with Suva, and this year with Lautoka.
Nalaubu also scored two goals for Police as the Blues defeated Army 2-1 in the Ratu Sukuna Bowl football competition.
Suva, Ba dominate Futsal Suva and Ba dominated the Futsal competition, and both sides won the round robin competition.
The Digicel Futsal IDC, which will be played in January, is set to spark fireworks as teams will prepare well.
Live commentaries
Thanks to Radio Mirchi and the Voice of Football, Raymond ‘The Great’ Stoddart fans, who could not make it to the ground, enjoyed live commentaries of our local matches.
The goals were shown on FBC TV during the sports news.
Raymond did a wonderful job, and I must admit our commentator is Radio Mirchi’s asset.
His voice, expertise and indepth knowledge in football cannot be matched. Vinaka Ray!
As I conclude, I wish our football players, district officials, readers and football lovers Merry Christmas!
- RAJNESH LINGAM is a contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed are his and not necessarily of this newspaper or his employer.
