Navua set for FACT

History can be repeated at the 2022 Digicel Fiji FACT, says Navua football coach, Saiyad Ali.

Ali referred to their 2003 FACT win at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, which came after losing eight games consecutively in the national league.

He indicated there are many teams that looked good on paper but everything would depend on game day where anything can happen.

Navua are in Pool A along

with Nadi, Lautoka, Rewa and Labasa.

“We know the other teams are doing very well, they have good players,” Ali said.

“But then again they are only good on paper like we say in football, on the game day we never know what is going to happen.

“This happened so many times in Fiji and we have seen it.

“Many predictions are based on paper, they see the teams, which ones have seasoned players, current national reps and the team backed by money. “That is how they make their predictions, but on game day things can change.

“I recalled the first time I coached Navua in 2003, we lost eight national league games in a row and then we bounced back to win the Fiji FACT.

“I know smaller teams like Navua and Nasinu have done that. So we never know what is going to happen on the day,” Ali added.

Despite being in a tough pool with Lautoka, Ali is hopeful that they could do the impossible.

“The weaker teams are pooled with the stronger teams so the players also have a reason to train harder and stay focused because they know they are in the pool of death.“

Defending FACT champions, Suva are in Pool B with hosts Nadroga, Tailevu/Naitasiri, Ba, and Nasinu.

The tournament will be played over three weekends with the first round at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, on May 22.