HLB MANN Judd Suva Futsal have sent an early warning to their rivals at the Extra Futsal Inter-District Championship 2026, scoring 31 goals in three matches to storm into the semi-finals unbeaten as they chase back-to-back titles.
The defending champions wrapped up their Group A campaign in style yesterday, hammering Rakiraki Futsal 11-0 to complete three wins from three matches and set up a semi-final showdown with Ba at 9am today.
And Suva have hardly been short of entertainment along the way.
They opened their campaign on Wednesday with a crushing 15-0 win over Labasa, followed by a more competitive 5-3 victory against Lami on Thursday before turning on the style against Rakiraki.
That leaves Suva with an impressive 31 goals from three matches, a scoring spree that has given their title defence plenty of momentum heading into the knockout stage.
However, coach Vivek Nadan was quick to point out that yesterday’s commanding win was about more than just running up the score.
With their semi-final place already secured, Suva used the match to give their bench players valuable court time while keeping the entire squad ready for the challenges ahead.
“Our objective was to give our bench players some game time,” Nadan said.
“We knew coming into the game that we had already qualified for the semi-final, so it was just to give them some game time and then prepare for tomorrow.”
Now, the group-stage celebrations must give way to knockout intensity, with Ba standing between Suva and another shot at the title.
Nadan knows the earlier results will count for little once the teams take to the court, where one strong performance can make all the difference.
“When it comes to knockouts, in the semi-final, it’s always anyone’s ball game,” he said.
“Those who show up on the court on that given day, they will come out victorious.”
With the stakes rising, Suva will be looking to carry their attacking confidence into today’s clash, while Nadan has called on families and supporters to pack the stands and get behind the team.
“Just for all the families to come out in numbers and get behind the boys,” he said.
“It’s going to be fun, fast and furious.”
