Nalaubu sets the pace

Star striker Sairusi Nalaubu has set the pace for yet another golden boot award in the Digicel Fiji Premier League after a flying start in the competition this season.

Nalaubu took out the award race in the national competition which was known as the Digicel Premier League in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

In the process, he made his international debut for the Digicel ‘Bula Boys’ against Vanuatu in March last year scoring a hat trick in the 3-0 victory.

Nalaubu attended a three-month trial with Czech Republic club FK Pardubice last August but was unable to secure a contract to play in the Fortuna Liga.

He scored a hat trick against Labasa in the 3-0 win in the opening round of the DFPL and then scored a double against Nadi in the 5-1 victory at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka last week.

Fiji Football Association competitions manager Amitesh Pal said Nalaubu had set the early pace for goals scored in the competition.

Pal said Nalaubu’s three-month stint in the Czech Republic had lifted his game to another level.

In the DFPL on Saturday, Ba held Lautoka scoreless at the Fiji FA Academy in Namosau. At Subrail Park in Labasa, Nadi defeated the host 1-0.

Patrick Ralulu proved to be the hero for the Jetsetters scoring the lone goal. Nadi was reduced to ten players after goalkeeper Vereti Dickson was sent off close to halftime.