United Sangam crowned champ

LAUTOKA’S United Sangam walked away $5000 richer after winning the Digicel National Club Championship at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on Sunday.

United Sangam created history by winning the NCC title for the first time after defeating Police FC of Ba 3-1 in the final.

Coached by Marika Rodu, United Sangam scored through Sitiveni Cavuilagi, Sairusi Nalaubu and Usman Omedy.

Ronil Kumar scored the lone goal for Police FC in the second spell after being down by a goal at halftime.

United Sangam president Shazir Mukhtar Ali said they had been trying to win the NCC title for many years.

He said to reach the final for the first time and win was a proud moment for them.

“It is a huge achievement for the club and all the credit goes to the boys for playing their hearts out,” Ali said.

“We set our aim to win and the boys knew what was expected from them during the Lautoka Football Association local league competition and then in the NCC.

“Our strength in the NCC was the discipline and commitment of the players. We have most district players and they were guided well by Rewa coach Marika in our campaign.”

United Sangam was laced with district reps including Sairusi Nalaubu, Epeli Leiroti, Manasa Nawakula, Saula Waqa, Sakaraia Naisua, Sterling Vasconcellos and Antonio Tuivuna.

The side defeated defending champions Kasavu FC 2-1 and Central Meads 4-0 in the group stage.

Ali praised national team defender Tuivuna who played gallantly at the goalkeeper’s position.

“Tuivuna is a defender but we do not have a goalkeeper so we gave him that role and he played really well,” he said.

“We are now looking to get a goalkeeper in this transfer window.

“I would like to thank our sponsors Hypercam Pharmacy and All in One Builders for their faith in our club from Field 40 in Lautoka.”

Police FC received $1500 for finishing as the runnerup.