The traditional giant killers of Fiji Football have once again been relegated to the senior division after finishing last in the 2020 Vodafone Premier League points table which concluded last weekend.
Nasinu needed to win needed a win against Navua in its last match but were thrashed by the Navuan’s 1-7 at Uprising Sports Center in Pacific Harbour on Saturday.
The giant killers were promoted to the top division after eight years in 2018 and made some major upsets in the past three years in the VPL and tournaments.
Association president O’neal Lal Chand said he was not disappointed with the results against Navua in the final match.
“Well I am not disappointed but it was just not our day,” said Chand
Chand said they prepared well to face Navua today (Saturday) and survive in first-tier competition but his players were not used to the artificial turf which took them down
“Most of our players are not used to play and never played on this artificial turf and it was evident that Navua has been training here, playing here and they utilized it well,” said Chand
“Our players made a lot of mistakes because they were not used to the synthetic turf and it was a different ball game and Navua also had their crowd support, “said Chand
Chand said they tried to book the turf and train there before the match but were told it was fully booked.
“We tried all our best to train at synthetic turf here in Navua and get used to it but were told it was booked all the time,”
Lal wished Navua all the best for survival in the Premier Division.
“I congratulate Navua and wish them all the best in the top division,”
Chand said despite relegated to the senior division they would end the season on a high note.
“We will do our best to prepare for the 2020 Vodafone Fiji FACT and will do the best before going in the senior division next year,”
“We will go sit and discuss how can we end the season and yes it’s nothing new as teams go down and come back but we will surely come back,”
He said he knew there would be lots of critics against his leadership.
“I am ready for all the critics from the fans and supporters but hats off to the players and my executive members and everyone that have Nasinu at heart and supported us in any way, “said Chand
Nasinu finished the VPL with eight points with two wins, two draws, and 10 losses.
