WAIRABETIA Muslim Primary School successfully defended its under-14 soccer title after producing an unbeaten campaign in the Tabua Grade at the Lautoka Inter-primary schools Soccer competition held at Central Primary Ground last weekend.
Led by head boy and captain Napolioni Waqatabu, the young side showed determination and discipline to secure back-to-back championship honours.
Wairabetia opened its campaign with two scoreless draws against Dreketi Sangam Primary and Tuvu Primary before finding its rhythm in the third match with a convincing 2-0 victory over Qalitu Primary. The goals came from Mateo Draunimasi of Year 8 and captain Waqatabu.
The semi-final proved to be another hard-fought contest as Wairabetia edged Satya Sai Primary 1-0. Goalkeeper Cama Veiqaravi emerged as the hero after producing a crucial penalty save, while Waqatabu scored the decisive goal to send his side into the final.
In the championship match, Wairabetia once again defeated Tuvu Primary 2-0 to lift the title. Waqatabu continued his outstanding form by finding the back of the net, while Year 6 student Isoa Musuqio added the second goal to seal the victory.
The team was guided by coach Imraan Iqbal, a former Fiji Football Association referee, whose experience played a key role in the school’s successful title defence.
Meanwhile, Wairabetia Muslim Primary’s under-14 girls also made an encouraging debut in the tournament, impressing against more experienced opponents. Goalkeeper Banikarawa Mita, who hails from Rabi, highlighted the team’s performance with a brilliant penalty save.
The girls were coached by Aachal Narayan, who praised the team’s effort and commitment throughout the competition.
Following their successful outing, Wairabetia Muslim Primary will now shift their focus to the Northwest Primary Schools Soccer Competition in Term Three, which will be held in Ba after the Fiji Year Eight Examination, where both teams will be eager to continue building on their strong performances.
