NZFFI Team Lautoka Masters take out Veterans title
THE Salesh Kumar-captained NZFFI Team Lautoka Masters was crowned the champion of the 2022 RC Manubhai/Apco Coatings Fiji FA International Veterans Tournament after edging AUFFI All Stars 4-1 in the final at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on Sunday.
Former Ba and national midfielder Kumar said they came here with a mission which was accomplished.
“We came here not for fun but to win our first title and we were confident from day one that we will win the title,” he said.
“We have been playing together for sometimes now and the strength was that some of our players turned 40 this year and they were fit.
“It’s always good be back home to play and meet our former football mates and fans but winning the title means a lot.
“Credit goes to our officials for putting a team together for the tournament and we dedicate the win to all our hardworking officials and families.”
Kumar also scooped the Player of the Tournament award while Rewa Masters Pita Rabo scooped the Golden Boot Award.
NZFFI Team Lautoka Masters defeated Nasinu Masters 2-1 in the second semi-final while AUFFI All Stars won 2-0 against Nasinu Legends to qualify to the final.
The side, with the services of former national reps, Alvin Avinesh, Josaia Bukalidi, Leone Vurukania, Robert Sahib, and Vishal Lal, proved too strong for the Jason Lal-captained AUFFI All Stars side which was boosted with former Nadroga reps Atunesh and Nitesh Prasad.
Former Lautoka and national midfielder Alvin Avinesh scored the opener for the Kiwis in the seventh minute after beating the AUFII defence.
Eight minutes later former Suva
THE Tavua football side aims to return to the premier division next season, says coach Mohammed Asif Khan.
The Gold Town boys were crowned the champions of the 2022 Fiji FA Presidents Cup after beating Northland Tailevu 3-1 in the final at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on Sunday.
Khan said the title win was a boost for the team.
“Our aim was to win this title and I am proud we have achieved our mission,” Khan said.
“The win is a boost for the team as we have a few more matches remaining to play in the Digicel Senior League and we are sitting on top of the points table.
“We want to continue from here and our focus is to win the DSL and get promoted to the top level next season.”
Khan applauded the Fiji Football Association for giving the senior division teams a chance to participate in and under-20 rep Vishal Lal netted their second when he placed the ball perfectly at the bottom left corner which AUFFI goalkeeper Zuber Kaiyum failed to stop.
Leading 2-nil at the break, their relentless effort was rewarded when Lal got his second before Zaid Azeem added another close to fulltime.
A late consolation goal to AUFFI brought some smiles to their fans at Lawaqa Park.
The NZFFI Team Lautoka walked away with $4000 while AUFFI All Stars received $1500 in prizemoney. the tournament.
“I thank Fiji FA for giving the opportunity to our players to play in such an lively atmosphere which gives the players a lot to show.
“The players have been given more game time and exposure and I am sure they will continue their brilliant performance into the senior league.”
Northland Tailevu coach Kritesh Prasad was not disappointed with the results.
“I salute my boys for the gallant performance and despite the result I think they played well,” Prasad said.
“We had some misfortunes while coming to play here so we understand what the players have gone through.
“But this is a good lesson to the boys and I am sure they will take all positives from this tournament into the Digicel Senior League.
“We have a very good team with few senior players but I am proud of them because they have dedication and heart for Northland Tailevu.
“I think the players were still in jetlag and that’s why they lost concentration which cost us the game.”
The Westerners’ first goal was headed in by Abishay Kumar off a Ratu Dau free kick which Northland goalkeeper Ryan Mishra failed to clear.
Tavua led 1-0 at the break but a beautiful freekick from Northland’s Nischal Lal in the 59th minute levelled the scores.
Tavua goalscorer Kumar was sent off three minutes later for an offence which warranted a direct red card.
Northland’s campaign took a nose dive in the first half when Rohil Narayan copped a red card after receiving his second yellow card for foul plays.
However, the defining moments in the match came in the last quarter when substitute Diva Singh and Suliano Tawanakoro scored another two goals for Tavua.
The side took home $2500 and Northland walked with $500.