A total of 68 players have travelled from overseas to take part in the Fiji Gujarati Sports Association (FGSA) football tournament which concludes today at the Lautoka Central College grounds.
Association president Sanjay Patel said the reason why they did not hold the tournament during the Easter holiday’s was because there were not enough players to make up teams.
“A total of 68 of the players have come from abroad out of the 138 that have been registered,” he said.
Patel said district representatives such as Hasmukh Patel from Suva FC and national team goalkeeper Aydin Mustahib are also participating in the competition.
“The competition level, because of the mixture of players from here and abroad is high, including players like Hasmukh Patel and Aydin Mustahib.
“We also got assistance in the technical area where district coaches have come forward to guide Gujarati teams.”
He said the Lautoka weather has been very favourable and the ground conditions had also been exceptional.
“The only Western team that takes part is Lautoka and again, while other Western teams are not here is because the numbers don’t make up.
“We have four Southern teams- Suva, Rewa, Navua and Lami, which have fielded two teams.”
Patel said out of the seven teams, four will qualify for the semi-finals today.
“We are a affiliated member of the Fiji Football Association and they have provided referee and match balls for the tournament,” he concluded.
Day two results:
Lautoka Two 1-3 Navua, Rewa 2-1 FMF Suva, Lami One 0-0 Lami Two.
