The star-studded Kasavu Football Club from Rewa created history yesterday after defeating Greenstars FC 3-0 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka to lift the Vodafone National Club Championship title for the first time.
Formed 76 years ago, Kasavu FC remained unbeaten in the tournament collecting $5000. Kasavu FC coach Mohammed Nizam said his players deserved the victory.
“Our club president Sharif Khan is in Sydney, Australia, and has been supporting the players,” Nizam said.
“Greenstars gave us a good challenge, but we worked hard and stuck to our game plan.
“Khan started supporting the club four years ago and this is our first NCC title victory.
“We thank him for his support and we are so happy. Previously we failed to qualify from the Southern Zone playoffs.”
Kasavu FC is the second club registered with Rewa Football Association in the competition after Dilkusha Excelsior.
Nizam said defending the NCC title next year would be hard. He commended their sponsor for rewarding the players immediately after the win.
“The sponsor has topped up $15000 in addition to the prizemoney that we won which will be shared by the players.
“So it will be $20,000 which will be given to the players.”
Setareki Hughes scored the opener for Kasavu FC in the 35th minute to see them leading 1-0 at halftime.
Anish Khem scored the second goal in the 64th minute with a free-kick from 30 metres.
Playing on the vocal support of their fans, Greenstars lost their focus under pressure and even with Kasavu FC goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau beaten, Waisea Tale rocketed the ball over the crossbar from close range in the 80th minute.
Gabriele Matanisiga sealed victory for Kasavu FC five minutes from fulltime. Greenstar coach and player Terence Odiun said they lacked experience to play at major events.
“We have to go back to the basics this season,” he said.
Veteran Tamanisau won the Gloden Glove Award.
Teams: Kasavu FC: Simione Tamanisau, Bruce Hughes, Peniame Drova, Josateki Tamudu, Patrick Joseph, Iowane Matasiga, Anish Khem, Gabriele Matanisiga, Ilraz Ali, Setareki Hughes, Kavaia Rawaqa.
Greenstars FC: Benjamini Rokobavu, Setareki Vola, Waisea Tale, Semesa Sacere, Romit Narayan, Abdul Farid, Zoheb Rahim, Taniela Raubula, Tomasi Tuicakau, Zain Ali, Ravikash Singh.
