The VANTEX Solutions Navua side continued silencing its critics after a 4-1 win over Rewa by way of penalty shootout in the semi-final to head into the Super Premier Division final of the 2026 FMF Inter-District Competition yesterday
The Rodicks Singh-coached side overcame a gutsy Delta Tigers outfit after a fierce nil-all full-time story and an equally compelling extra-time segment.
It banked on the skills of its goalkeeper Jovilisi Borisi, and strikers Vinal Prasad, Apolosi Seru, Monit Chand and Vanuatu player Walter Leoru.
Rewa turned to the experience of national strikers Tevita Waranivalu, Scott Wara and Semi Nabenu and keeper Epeli Loaniceva.
Once Seru’s shot found the back of the net, Navua fans at the HFC Bank Stadium erupted into a state of pandemonium as team officials embraced a Navua side who set out to avenge their early 2026 Extra Battle of the Giants exit last month.
Head coach Rodicks Singh knelt on the ground to pray and give thanks for the victory.
Speaking to The Fiji Times after the momentous victory, Singh gave all credit to his team for defying the odds.
“Here we are playing a final and it’s such an emotional part because when nobody trusts you, you come out in the final,” Singh said.
He likened their IDC campaign to a war where they were on a quest for greatness since the competition began on Tuesday this week.
It was also a team Singh notably referred to as a side no one believed in and he acknowledged their sponsor Vantex Solutions and the Turaga na Tui Namosi and former Navua footballer Ratu Suliano Matanitobua for standing in their corner when no one else did.
Meanwhile, Singh stated he drove the message of maintaining defence into the Navua side and emphasised how every player got the memo.
“My key message was defend; if the 11 players on the pitch can defend well, we will surely win this game,” he recalled.
“Hats off to the boys for listening and continuing to defend.”
At 3pm today, Navua will face the winner of the second semi-final match between Ba and Labasa, which was still in action when this edition went to press last night.
