As the countdown continues toward the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT tournament, few football administrators will carry more determination and unfinished ambition than Navua Football Association president Rajeev Prasad.
Passionate, committed and deeply invested in the growth of Navua Football, Prasad has spent recent years trying to guide the district back to the summit of Fiji football.
Yet despite all the work, investment and belief poured into the team, one achievement remains missing under his leadership — lifting the titles.
And that dream continues to drive him.
For Prasad, the Fiji FACT is more than just another competition.
It represents history, pride, and legacy.
Navua remains one of the few districts outside Fiji football’s traditional giants to have enjoyed memorable success in the tournament’s history.
The district famously won its maiden Fiji FACT title in 2003 after defeating Rewa 1-0 in extra time before adding back-to-back triumphs in 2008 and 2009.
Those victories helped establish Navua as one of the country’s most exciting football stories during that era.
But in recent years, the district has struggled to reclaim that glory.
Since taking leadership, Prasad has worked tirelessly to rebuild the club into a consistent contender again.
From strengthening sponsorship support and improving player preparations to rebuilding supporter confidence and club stability, Prasad has remained fully committed to the district’s long-term vision.
His biggest strength has been his refusal to give up during difficult seasons.
Even through setbacks and disappointing campaigns, Prasad continued backing the team and maintaining the belief that Navua could once again challenge Fiji football’s elite sides.
That determination nearly produced success in 2024.
Navua reached the Fiji FACT final but suffered heartbreak after narrowly losing 1-0 to Lautoka in Labasa.
The defeat was painful for the district and its supporters, but many believe it also showed how far Navua had progressed under Prasad’s leadership.
For Prasad personally, the loss only strengthened his hunger to eventually bring the title back to Navua.
As the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT approaches, Navua once again enters the tournament with belief, ambition and unfinished business.
This year’s competition will again be held at Subrail Park in Labasa, with group stage matches scheduled for June 19, 20 and 21 before the semi-finals and final a week later.
The official pool draws will take place this Saturday at Fiji FA Headquarters in Vatuwaqa.
Under Prasad’s administration, Navua has also focused heavily on community engagement and commercial growth.
He has worked to strengthen sponsorship partnerships while encouraging stronger support from the wider Navua community.
Those close to the club say Prasad strongly believes football success must be built not only on results, but also on unity, discipline and long-term planning.
A businessman by profession and football administrator by passion, Prasad has become one of the key figures behind Navua’s modern rebuilding phase.
And while the Fiji FACT trophy has so far remained just out of reach during his presidency, the dream remains very much alive.
For Navua supporters, the hope is that 2026 could finally become the year their president achieves the one piece of history still missing from his football journey.
Because after years of hard work and sacrifice, Rajeev Prasad continues chasing the glory that every football leader dreams of — bringing Fiji FACT success back home to Navua once again.
