Premier teams cannot underestimate Navua at the 2020 Punjas Battle of the Giants Tournament at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The Southerners showed their ‘never say die’ attitude when they came from behind 3-2 win against Giant Killers Nasinu in their last outing in the Vodafone Premier League fixture.
Making their return to Premier Division after five years, the Mohammed Shafil-coached side has a point to prove.
The Koromakawa Rentals sponsored side has created major upsets in the past, and have a mix of experience and youth to mount a challenge for the Punjas BOG title, if their recent VPL performances are anything to go by.
The sie has won the prestigious BOG title once, in 2005, when they defeated Rewa 1-0 at National Stadium in Suva. They have also featured in two finals.
The side does face a daunting task in Group B, where they are pooled with Nadi, hosts Lautoka and current Vodafone Premier League points table leaders Rewa. As only two teams will qualify for the semi-finals, Navua can ill-afford to lose out in points in the Group stages.
The Southerners have the services of experienced players like Seveci Rokotakala, Simione Maikali, Apisai Smith, Simione Damuni, Jesoni Takala and Rajanesh Raju to rely on. Talented young midfielder Thomas Dunn who will be the man to watch in the side, alongside Captain Vineet Chand, Sharad Kumar and Alfred Ali.
They face Nadi in the opening match of the 2020 Punjas BOG on Friday August 7 at 12pm, take on hosts Lautoka on Saturday at 3pm, while their last pool match will be against Rewa at 12pm on Sunday.
‘NEVER SAY DIE’ NAVUA
