VANTEX Solutions Navua FC booked a spot in the semi-finals of the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship after holding Khelvin Realtors Lautoka FC to a nil-all draw yesterday.
As the full time whistle blew, Navua head coach Rodicks Singh knelt to the ground, with hands held high in thanks for the draw, after they were tied four points with Ba.
Singh remarked the draw was a much needed point, in light of how they entered the field with a winning mindset.
“Firstly, I would like to thank the God Almighty for this game, the victory, for the draw. I think it’s a much needed point,” Singh told reporters.
He acknowledged the work of his players who he said had to prepare for the crucial clash against the Blues after holding Ba to a two-all draw in their second pool match on Wednesday night.
When asked if the heat had affected the team, Singh emphasised his players knew what to do and had a lot to give to ensure their goal was achieved.
“If you look at the boys today (yesterday), they were so tired but they had the heart to give all their bestg and make sure that Navua is in the semi-finals,” he added.
“We played two games; 1.30pm (on Tuesday), yesterday (Wednesday) at 5.30pm, finished at 7.30pm and today (yesterday) back at 1.30pm.
“It takes character, it takes courage and it takes heart and I acknowledge the boys for this.”
Singh also thanked sponsors Vantex Solutions for their support of the team in light of their early exit from the 2026 Extra Battle of the Giants last month.
“Nobody in Navua believed that we were going to come out of this pool, but Vantex did.
“I thank the owner Umesh, who continued to believe in us and here we are into the semi-finals.”
Lautoka lost 1-2 to Ba on Tuesday, won 5-2 over Nadi however it needed to beat Navua to book a semi-final ticket.
