The Rivertubing Fiji / Koromakawa Rentals & Tours Navua Football side will enter the 2023 Digicel Fiji FACT as underdogs of the tournament after an improved performance in the Digicel Fiji Premier League this season.
With two victories, three draws and four losses in the DPL this season, Navua FC has proved in last year’s Courts IDC that they are a tournament team after reaching the final.
The Saiyad Ali-coached side showed fighting spirit in the Courts IDC semi-final last year against Ba and will aim to repeat the same in this year’s first major tournament in the Fiji FA Calendar.
They must have gone to the drawing board knowing they will face Ba FC, Lautoka FC and defending champions Suva FC in Group A.
Navua has created major upsets in the past and has a mix of experienced and youth players to mount a challenge for the 2023 Digicel Fiji FACT title. They will be out to prove their worth at the top level after surviving the battle this year.
he side has won the Fiji FACT title three times and featured in one final. They first engraved their name on the silverware in 2003 when they defeated Rewa 1-0 at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori. Navua made it a back-to-back win in 2008 and 2009 and in 2010 they lost to Ba 1-0 in the final at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
It has been a decade since Navua has not celebrated the Fiji FACT victory and will be out to give something back to their fans with their young brigadiers.
The side does face up to a daunting task in Group A, they will face Ba FC on Friday at 3.30 pm when the tournament properly starts at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. In the second game on Saturday at 1 pm they will face Lautoka FC, and their final Group A match is up against Suva FC at 1 pm on Sunday.
Navua has the services of goalkeeper Viliame Rakuro, defenders Arami Manumanubai, Mathew Charitar, Joseph Elder, Manav Permal, Samir Hussein, midfielders, Zainal Ali, Alfred Ali, Mosese Balegaga and Solomon Islander Jared Rongosulia. and strikers Isake Naduvu. Up in front are Brian Charitar, Shofwaan Ali and Sunny Deol.
Players to watch: Thomas Dunn and Sunny Deol
Navua Fiji FACT File
Runners-Up: 2010
Winners: 2003, 2008, 2009.
