The Tavua football side aims to return to the premier division next season says coach Mohammed Asif Khan.
The Gold Town boys were crowned the champions of the 2022 Fiii FA Presidents Cup after beating Northland Tailevu 3-1 in the final at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka last Sunday.
Khan said the title win was a boost for the team.
“Our aim was to win this title and I am proud we have achieved our mission,”
“The win is a boost for the team as we have few more matches remaining to play in the Digicel Senior League and we are sitting on top of the points table,”
“We want to continue from here and our focus is to win the DSL and get promoted to the top-level next season,” said Khan
Khan applauded Fiji FA for giving the senior division teams to participate in the tournament.
“I thank Fiji FA for giving the opportunity to our players to play in such a lively atmosphere which gives the players a lot to show.”
“The players have been given more game time and exposure and I am sure they will continue their brilliant performance into the senior league.
Northland Tailevu coach Kritesh Prasad was not disappointed with the results.
“I salute my boys for the gallant performance and despite the result, I think they played well,”
“We had some misfortunes while coming to play here so we understand what the players have gone through,”
“But this is a good lesson to the boys and I am sure they will take all positive from this tournament into the Digicel Senior League,” said Prasad
“We have a very team with few senior players but I am proud of them because they have dedication and heart for Northland Tailevu,”
“I think the players were still in jetlag and that’s why they lost concentration which cost us the game,”
Tavua led 1-0 at the break but a beautiful freekick from Northland’s Nischal Lal in the 59th minute leveled the scores.
The westerners’ first goal was headed in by Abishay Kumar off a Ratu Dau free-kick which Northland goalkeeper Ryan Mishra failed to clear.
It was a dream start for Northland after the break after Nischal Chand fired home the equalizer.
Tavua goalscorer Kumar was sent off three minutes later for an offense that warranted a direct red card.
Northland’s campaign took a nose dive in the first half when Rohil Narayan copped a red card after receiving his second yellow card for foul plays.
However, the defining moments in the match came in the last quarter when substitute Diva Singh and Suliano Tawanakoro scored another two goals for Tavua.
The side took home $2500 and Northland walked with $500.
