Suva’s development focus and patience is slowly paying off as they recorded their first ever win of the season in round five of the Digicel Fiji Premier League.
Their youth players seems to be finding their feet in the premier level, gelling in well with the senior players to help beat Nasinu 2-1 at the Fiji Football Academy in Vatuwaqa yesterday.
Suva led 1-0 in the initial spell thanks to a simple goal by Waisake Navunigasau but were drawn at 1-1 almost immediately into the start of the second half with a brilliant goal by Nasinu’s Newton Tabe.
However, they kept building momentum, dominating possession but majority of their chances went begging.
A free kick awarded into the later stages was all that Suva needed to dent Nasinu’s chances and claim the win.
Bruce Hughes stepped up to the occasion and easily delivering a high free-flowing free kick that even the Naisinu goalie didn’t see coming.
Suva coach Inosi Cava said the win is a positive sign for them.
“Our main strength was I think the individual potential of the players, their own skills and the belief they had in themselves. I told them to believe in themselves and work together as a team since we didn’t have much time to train as the players were engaged in religious tournament during the three-weeks break,” he said.
“The young players are gelling in well, its a big task but this is the only time where we can gauge how they play and the confidence they have in the players. So, in every game we will introduce new players.”
Cava is focusing on step-by-step improvements and is not worried about the upcoming major tournaments.
“We will leave the tournaments to the officials but as we go along, we will try to improve and get better in our games,” he added.
In other DFPL matches played yesterday, Labasa defeated Tailevu Naitasiri 2-1 at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori, Rewa maintain the lead on the standings after beating Navua 1-0 at the Uprising Sports Center, Lautoka thrashed Nadi 5-1 and Nadroga upset Ba 1-0 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka
