STRIKER Napolioni Qasevakatini was the star for the Jack’s Nadi side which defeated Ba 3-1 in the Vodafone Premier League (VPL) at Prince Charles Park yesterday.
In front of 1000 fans Qasevkatini proved to be a thorn for the Ba defenders in heavy underfoot conditions scoring a brace in the fixture.
It wasn’t a result expected from the Ba team which has been preparing for the coming Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League for a while.
Qasevakatini struck in the 40th minute as the hosts led 1-0 at halftime.
He doubled the Jetsetters advantage in the 78th minute.
Samuela Nabenia pulled one back for the visitors four minutes later but midfielder Ame Votoniu sealed the win in the 87th minute.
Nadi Football Association president Javed Ahmed said they made a perfect start in the competition.
He said the aim was to win the VPL title and qualify for the 2019 OFC Champions League.
“Things have started on high note for us,” Ahmed said.
“We have included some new boys in the squad. It is all about development.
“We are really happy with the turnout. The fans came out in numbers to support the team despite the wet conditions. The boys worked hard during the week and deserved the result.
Ba team manager Arvind Singh said they did not expect a loss in the opening match.
Singh said they had a tight schedule ahead of the OFC Champions League facing defending VPL champions Lautoka next.
