The countdown has begun for the most anticipated night in Fiji’s football calendar – the Extra Supermarket Fiji FA Awards 2024. Set to be hosted at the prestigious Crowne Plaza in Nadi on Saturday, December 1, the event promises to honor and celebrate the outstanding achievements of players, teams, coaches, referees, and contributors who have made an indelible mark on the sport this year.
From mesmerizing goals to unparalleled teamwork, the Fiji FA Awards aim to recognize excellence across all levels of the game. With nominations reflecting the diversity and talent of Fiji’s football community, anticipation is high for the big reveal.
The prestigious Extra Supermarket Footballer of the Year award for men sees a tough competition between Ratu Tevita Waranivalu of Rewa, Thomas Dunn of Navua, and Merril Nand of Suva. Each has played a pivotal role in their respective teams, showcasing their skill, leadership, and determination.
On the women’s side, the nominees include Rewa’s Adi Litea Bakaniceva and Angeline Rekha, alongside Serewaia Laulaba of Tailevu Naitasiri. These players have demonstrated exceptional prowess, taking women’s football to new heights.
The futsal categories are no less competitive, with standout performances being recognized. In the men’s category, Ravneel Pal (Lami), Rajneel Singh (Suva), and Junior Wanetatha (Nadi) are in the running for Futsal Footballer of the Year. The women’s category sees talents like Adi Vikatoria Veronica, Katarina Nailele, and Koleta Likuculacula vying for top honors.
The Team of the Year award is shaping up to be a thrilling contest among Rewa FC, Tavua FC, and Lautoka FC, who have all showcased exceptional teamwork and strategy this season.
Meanwhile, the Young Footballer of the Year categories, sponsored by Esy Kool and Apco Coatings, highlight rising stars like Delon Shankar, Penisoni Tirau, and Sterling Vesconciloious for the men, and Seruwaia Laulaba, Elesi Tabunase, and Sisili Kuladina for the women.
The FBC Goal of the Year category features three breathtaking strikes, including Josaia Sela’s goal against Auckland City in the OFC Champions League and Muni Shivam Naidu’s sublime effort against Nadi in the Digicel Premier League. The inclusion of a futsal masterpiece by Aporosa Yada adds a unique flavor to this category.
In coaching, the spotlight shines on Saiyad Ali (Navua), Dr. Diva Singh (Tavua), and Roderick Singh (Rewa) for their strategic brilliance and leadership in the Petro Oceania Mobil Coach of the Year category. Additionally, unsung heroes like Mohammed Kasim, Jalindar Singh, and Susana Tuli are recognized for their selfless contributions as nominees for the Volunteer of the Year award.
Categories & Nominees
1. Extra Supermarket Footballer of the Year (Male)
Ratu Tevita Waranivalu – Rewa
Thomas Dunn – Navua
Merril Nand – Suva
2. Extra Supermarket Footballer of the Year (Female)
Adi Litea Bakaniceva – Rewa
Serewaia Laulaba – Naitasiri
Angeline Rekha – Rewa
3. Extra Supermarket Futsal Footballer of the Year (Male)
Ravneel Pal – Lami
Rajneel Singh – Suva
Junior Wanetatha – Nadi
4. Extra Supermarket Futsal Footballer of the Year (Female)
Adi Vikatoria Veronica
Katarina Nailele
Koleta Likuculacula
5. South Pacific Business Solutions Team of the Year
Rewa FC
Tavua FC
Lautoka FC
6. Smart Security Administrator of the Year
Nazeel Buksh – Rewa President
Shalendra Prasad – Lautoka President
Yogen Kumar – Tailevu Naitasiri Secretary
7. Esy Kool Young Footballer of the Year (Male)
Delon Shankar – Rewa
Penisoni Tirau – Ba
Sterling Vesconciloious – Lautoka
8. Apco Coatings Young Footballer of the Year (Female)
Seruwaia Laulaba – Tailevu Naitasiri
Elesi Tabunase – Ba
Sisili Kuladina – Ba
9 & 10. McDonald’s League Elite Player of the Year (Male & Female)
Nominees TBA
11. Sports World Referee of the Year
Dr. Neeshil Varman
Kavitesh Behari
Torika Delai
12. Petro Oceania Mobil Coach of the Year
Saiyad Ali – Navua
Dr. Diva Singh – Tavua
Roderick Singh – Rewa
13. FBC Goal of the Year
Josaia Sela (vs Auckland City, OFC OCL)
Muni Shivam Naidu (vs Nadi, DPL Round 1)
Aporosa Yada (Futsal IDC vs Ba)
14. APNR Partners Volunteer of the Year
Mohammed Kasim – Labasa
Jalindar Singh – Nasinu Women’s
Susana Tuli – Rewa Women’s
15. Crowne Plaza Media Personality of the Year
Simran Chand – FBC
Raymond Stoddard – FBC
Kunal Keshneel – Fiji Live
