“VERY promising start,” were the words of FMF Lami 1 (Seals) football team head coach Sajeel Patel after his young side cruised to a 3-0 win over Rewa in their opening match of the Fiji Gujarati Sports Association Inter-District Championship (IDC) at the HFC Bank Stadium yesterday.
The Seals looked sharp from kick-off, pressing high and creating chances early.
Their attacking play and discipline at the back saw them control much of the match against a struggling Rewa side.
Patel, who has been part of the team for the past six to seven years, said the win reflected the team’s preparation and unity.
“We have a really good young team; the average age is about 22. These boys know what’s expected of them, and they’re performing,” he said.
Lami Seals came into the tournament on the back of a strong performance at the New Zealand Gujarati tournament, where they reached the final but lost on penalties.
“The refereeing was questionable, but that’s football. You move on. What matters is we learned from that experience,” Patel said.
The Lami association fielded three teams in this year’s tournament with Lami Arrow being the defending champion.
Patel, whose father is the founder of the Blue Seal Sports Club, which is now known as Lami Seals, has grown up with the team and continues to build its legacy.
“There’s still a lot of work to do. No game is ever perfect,” he said.
“But if the boys continue to work hard and play for each other, I’m confident we’ll go far.”
He also thanked their supporters.
“The fans were fantastic today. We’re counting on their energy for the rest of the weekend.”
In other results FMF Lami 3 (Arrows) secured a dominant 7-0 victory over FMF Lami 2, while FMF Suva and Navua played out a goalless draw.
FMF Lami 3 also drew 2-2 with Lautoka in a closely contested match.
Meanwhile, the tournament will continue today from 9am.
