Patel: A successful weekend of football
IT was successful weekends of football at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, says Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel.
Patel said he was impressed with the level of competition in the Digicel Fiji FACT, RC Manubhai/Apco Coatings International Veterans Tournament and the Fiji FA Presidents Cup challenge matches.
“The Digicel Fiji FACT was played at its expectation and I am happy the level of competition was high amongst the 10 teams,” said Patel.
“The group stages had some mixed results but the performance of Tailevu Naitasiri and Nadroga was great.
“Nadroga as the host proved their worth but lady luck was not on their side. As well Tailevu Naitasiri proved their worth in the top level with their impressive performance.
“Nothing could be taken away from other teams as they showed their best but Suva deserved the title with their consistent performance.
“The crowd turn up was poor in the group stages but it picked up last weekend in the semi-finals and finals and we are happy with everything.
“This was the first time all the matches were broadcast live on a Pop Up channel and many fans enjoyed sitting and watching from their homes.
“Congratulations to Suva FC for retaining their title and Labasa for proving all critics wrong and reaching the final.
“Coming into the final is not easy and Labasa, after dismayed performance in the Digicel Premier League, has proved critics wrong with their amazing performance despite going down 2-0 in the final against Suva.
“A big thank you to all the teams for making the 2022 Digicel Fiji FACT successful.
“The RC Manubhai/Apco Coatings International Veterans Tournament was played in five groups with 21 teams which is the biggest ever, with four teams from overseas.
“The competition in the over 40s grade was entertaining as all the teams came out well prepared,” said Patel.
“All the teams displayed their best football and it was great to see our former players in action.
“Congratulations to NZFFA Team Lautoka for winning the title and AUFFI All Stars for being the runners up.
“The Fiji FA Presidents Cup challenge was well played between the two finalists – Northland Tailevu and Tavua.
“Tavua proved too strong for the young Northland Tailevu side, edging them 3-1 in the final.”
Patel said Fiji FA would continue to give opportunities for everyone to enjoy football.
“We learn a lot from every tournament and I am happy that everyone was given an opportunity to enjoy their weekend with a football festival.
“I would like to thank each and every one for making the tournament a successful one and special thanks to our sponsors Digicel Fiji, RC Manubhai and Apco Coatings for their support in the development of football in the country,” said Patel.
“Now our focus is on the OFC Champions League play-offs which will be played between Lautoka and Rewa and OFC Women’s Nations Cup which will be played in Fiji next month.”