NAVUA FC will launch their Extra Premier League campaign tomorrow with renewed focus and determination as the side looks to make an early statement in the new season.
Head coach Rodicks Singh says the preparations have been centred on building consistency, fitness and sharper execution as the team aims to climb the national standings following an eighth-place finish last season.
“The key word for us is consistency,” Singh said. “If we stay sharp and clinical, we can build on what we are trying to achieve.”
Navua has been working through their pre-season recovery phase, with players returning to training midweek after a short break following a demanding run of fixtures.
Singh says the focus has been on ensuring the squad is physically ready and mentally prepared for the intensity of league football.
“We’ve been back in training and working on being fresh and ready for Sunday.”
The coach believes Navua’s playing identity, built around possession-based football, will be a key strength as they enter the new campaign.
“We showed we are a team that can play possession-based football,” Singh said. “We can move opposition around and create chances when we are at our best.”
While the priority remains the new season, Singh later reflected on Navua’s recent Fiji FACT campaign, where the side reached the semifinals before falling short in a penalty shootout.
“It was heartbreaking to lose in that manner,” he said. “But we had to reset quickly and take the positives from it.”
He added that the experiences have helped strengthen the squad’s mindset, particularly after enduring a physically demanding tournament run that stretched to 220 minutes of football.
“The boys responded well,” Singh said. “We had to move on quickly and focus on what’s ahead.”
Navua now heads into today’s opener confident and motivated, with Singh believing his squad has the quality to compete strongly if they maintain consistency throughout the season.
“I do believe we have the squad to compete,” Singh said. “Nothing is impossible if we keep improving every week.”
Navua will go up against Global Care Suva at 3pm at the Uprising Sports Centre today.
