TUVU Primary School’s under-14 coach Navnil Naidu is proud of his players’ efforts after they finished as runners-up in the Tabua Grade at the Lautoka Inter-primary Schools Soccer Competition held at the Central Primary School ground last weekend.
Naidu said the achievement was a positive sign of the school’s growing football program, especially for the girls’ team which has now secured runners-up honours for three consecutive years.
“I’m very happy with the performance. Three years ago, we introduced soccer for the girls and for the past three years we have been runners-up. This is the third year in a row,” Naidu said.
He said the boys also showed great commitment after reaching the final for the first time in many years.
“The boys were focused and their mindset was very good. Their fighting spirit was excellent. When we defeated last year’s champions Drasa Sangam by two goals in the pool stages, that’s where the boys clicked.”
Naidu said attention would now turn to the selection of players for the Lautoka under-14 district team, with talented players attracting interest from selectors.
He acknowledged the support from the school management, headteacher and his wife Shania Naidu, who managed both teams during the tournament.
Naidu also highlighted the importance of grassroots development, saying football growth begins at primary school level.
However, he called for more support for smaller schools facing limited resources and urged organisers to consider holding future tournaments on school days to allow all students to participate.
