All southern hopes on Kasavu FC in NRCC finals

AFTER the completion of pool games in the Vodafone National Regional Club Championship, three clubs from the West and one club from the South qualified for the semis that kick off at Lawaqa Park this afternoon.

In the first semi-final Sharam Hangers Kasavu FC laced with big names in Simione Tamanisau, brothers Bruce and Setareki Hughes, Anish Khem, Kavaia Rawaqa, Josateki Tamudu and Peniame Drova faces Ezy Kool Max Nalovo FC with players such as Vuniuci Tikomaimereke, Vereti Dickson, Napolioni Qasevakatini, Hussein Khan, Sakaraia Naisua, Christopher Kumar, Josua

Tawake, and Serevi Waqa.

In the second semi-final, defending champs and favourites Dayals Steels Yalalevu, which is coached by Shalen Lal and Mashall Ali, and has the services of Aisea Codro, veteran Malakai Tiwa, Sanaila Waqanicakau, and upcoming stars Shaneel Narayan, Shivneel Singh and Nabil Begg, faces Nadroga’s Greenstars FC, which has Nadroga reps like Setareki Vola, Waisea Tale Jr, Tomasi Tuicakau, Zain Ali and Taniela Robula. Yalalevu FC beat fellow Ba side Nailaga 1-0 in the 2018 NCC final through veteran Malakai Tiwa’s header.

On the other hand, it’s a pity that the two clubs from the two cities- Lautoka (Press) and Suva (Northpole), which had district reps, bombed out from pool play without a point. Press lost to Greenstars FC (3-1) and Kasavu FC (2-0) while Northpole lost to Nalovo FC (2-0) and Yalalevu FC (2-1).

Kasavu FC and Yalalevu FC secured two wins each and topped their pool. Yalalevu FC beat Nalovo FC 1-0 in the opening round while Kasavu thumped Greenstars FC 3-0. Yalalevu FC should outclass Greenstars FC while Kasavu FC will have a lot on their plate against Nalovo FC. In the sports article titled ‘Yalalevu wary of semi-final opponents’ (FT: 15/01), journalist Zanzeer Singh shared that defending champion Yalalevu FC had opted for the underdog tag although Ba’s giants are on track to make it back to back NRCC titles.

Yalalevu FC is fortunate to have football minds in Shalen Lal and Mashall Ali. Mashall was with the side when they won the NCC in 2018.

Mashall paid tribute to the Yalalevu community and their sponsor Pranesh Dayal.

I miss the NRCC competition which is far from what it was in the 90s, and I miss the days of clubs like Raymonds, Arsenal, Combine Stars, Lautoka General, Foodtown Warriors, Eagles, Civic, Nawaicoba Blues, Tanoa, FSC, Vunika and United.

Hence, I plead with FFA to regenerate interest in the club competition.