Tavua College is the new champion of the Extra Fiji Secondary School Football Championship Open Girls grade after an impressive 3-0 win over Vunimoli Islamia College in the final at Govind Park’s 4R Stadium yesterday.
Tavua displayed a dominant performance, combining sharp attacking play with solid defence.
Their strikers were quick on their feet, sticking to the game plan and applying constant pressure on the opposition.
The breakthrough came in the first half when Emele Naivunivalu scored the opener, giving Tavua a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Naivunivalu doubled her tally in the second spell before Siteri Tuibila sealed the win with the third goal to secure a historic victory.
Naivunivalu, who hails from Kubulau, Bua, was outstanding throughout the final with her speed and smart play keeping defenders on edge.
Speaking after the match, the young striker admitted she was surprised by her two-goal haul.
“I didn’t believe I would score two goals. My aim was to help Tavua win the IDC and I thank my parents and school for supporting me. My dream is to represent Fiji in the future,” she said.
Assistant Principal Muni Kumar praised the team’s consistency and effort throughout the tournament.
“It was a very entertaining final and a proud moment for us. The girls played good football right from the pool stages, through to the quarterfinal, then beating defending champions Ba Sanatan in the semis before sealing the win today.
“This is the first-ever victory for our school in the Open Girls category. We thank the team, management, and the school for their support,” Kumar said.
With the win, Tavua College wrote history, clinching their maiden Open Girls crown in style.