Nadi district officials urge not to poach players but develop own
Nadi Football Association officials were urged to develop their own players rather than poach from other districts. RC Manubhai director and Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel made those comments during the official opening of the 2020 RC Manubhai sponsored Nadi FA local league at Prince Charles Park, Nadi yesterday.
“Club football over the years has continued to produce a lot of national footballers. That is something we want to begin with here in Nadi,” he said.
“Rather than going around poaching players from other districts, the officials need to see the talent that is
here in the club and take them up to district football,” he said.
“We know that players have a right to move around, but to play with passion. Once you adopt a district you should be proud of it.”
Patel added that the local league is the epitome for any football growth in this country and you are the future of Fiji football without any club game this won’t be possible.
“Most have represented the district and some will want to achieve a next level to represent the district and represent Fiji,” he said.
Nadi FA vice-president Max Chetty thanked the sponsorship from RC Manubhai as the best way forward for the district.
“The future is here. The onus is on the players to represent their clubs well and then represent the district. There is a need to be a proud Nadi person. The real passion comes for you to play for your district,” he said.
Results from round one, (Super Premier division): Former Nadi rep Luke Rawadamu and Ronald Singh scored a goal each in the 2-0 victory over Solovi FC, while Downtown Blues defeated DCA 4-1 after a 2-0 lead at the breather.
In the Premier League Division, Nadi rep Jolame Vukivuki scored twice and Christopher Chand scored from a penalty as they defending champions FC Gandhi beat Nadi Andhra 3-0. Malolo FC hammered SBSS Warriors 4-1, and Togo FC beat Barara FC 2-0.