Bua, Nadroga qualify from Group 2
TODAY’S CLASHES ARE TO DECIDE GROUP WINNERS FOR SATURDAY’S INTERDISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP SEMIFINALS
The Bua football team are taking their Group 2 games one at a time, says a senior official. Bua Football Association president Diven Prasad told yesterday, that despite winning their two Group matches, they have taken a very cautious approach. “We are in a tough group,” Prasad said.
Bua had beaten Tavua 2-1 on Tuesday night and yesterday they walloped Nadogo 6-2.
Today, they face Nadroga in their final Group 2 game. “We’ve a mixture of young and experienced players. So far, our young players have played up to expectation and we are pleased with their commitment.”
Prasad highlighted that they are doing terms of discipline.
“The players are reminded to avoid getting a yellow or red card during their game. At the same time try to avoid injuries as well.
“We need all our players to be available playoffs.
“In terms of overall discipline, we are doing well since five of our players are policemen while the Station Officer Bua, is also with us.”
Prasad said playing at the Uprising Sports Centre’s artificial turf has been a challenge.
“It took us time to adapt in our first game against Tavua and then the heavy downpour make it difficult for us but we still managed to win.
“Some of the players suffered niggling injuries but we were able to hold,” he added.
What happened: Bua’s Mohammed Zaid scored four goals in their 6-2 win over Nadogo.
Zaid scored three goals in the first 10 minutes of the game before Livai Raumakita hammered in the fourth in the 17th minute.
Halftime: Bua 4-0 Nadogo
Zaid made it 5-0 in the 51st minute before Kalaveti Nateru scored in the 62nd minute.
Nadogo came back in the dying stages of the match with goals to Viliame Yakayadra and Kiniviliame Koroibuleka.
STALLIONS ON TRACK
The Johnny Williams coached- Nadroga side pipped Tavua 1-0 yesterday to join Bua as the Group 2 winners.
The Stallions did not field veteran striker Osea Vakatalesau but instead had seasoned campaigners like goal scorer Taniela Raubula, Gerald Voi, Sunny Deol, Jonas Naceva, Paula Buke and Leisari Qalica playing.
Today’s clash against Bua is going to decide the Group 2 winners. 11.30am Tailevu/Naitasiri v Seaqaqa, 1.30pm Rakiraki v Dreketi, 3.30pm Tavua v Nadogo, 5.30pm Nadroga v Bua.
Tavua midfielder Sikeli Sagatoro (left) defends against Nadroga’s Tomasi Tuicakau in their Group 2 clash of the Courts Interdistrict Championship at the Uprising Sports Centre in Pacific Harbour, Deuba, on October 7, 2020.