DIGICEL Premier League defending champion Suva started its 2021 campaign on the right foot with a classy 1-0 finish against Rewa during the season opener at the ANZ Stadium yesterday.
Suva guru Maxwell Thaggard said it was the start they needed with the focus clearly on keeping the DPL title in the Capital City.
“It’s not just about winning, it’s about defending the series,” Thaggard said.
Thaggard commended the effort produced by his players across the board from a new look Capital City side still currently in the works.
“We have a lot of young players and some upcoming players. Each player knows he has to step up.”
Despite repeated attacks by the Delta Tigers, it was Unique Rubber Stamp-sponsored Suva which scored the lone goal of the match.
This is after a well timed strike from midfielder Mohammed Ramzan found the ball misjudged by veteran goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau where Ramzan shot the ball to the back of the net on the 31st minute.
Thaggard said he was still putting pieces together for his team for his final combination.
He said his players were eyeing the white jumper for national representation.
“All coaches have benchmarks, especially for players coming off the bench. They need to step up and we have been talking about it.
“It’s not only about the names, but that it’s a team game.”
Nadroga will host Suva next week.
Suva FC: 22.Emori Ragata 4. Simione Nabenu 5. Remueru Tekiate 6. Mohammed Ramzan 11. Ravnesh Karan Singh 12. Joeli Ranitu 15.Waisake Navunigasau 16. Shahil Dave 18.Laisenia Naioko 19.Merrill Nand 20.Shazil Ali substitutes: 1.Atunaisa Naucukidi 2.Ivan Kumar 3.Meli Codro 7. Manasa Levaci 8.Kelvin Naidu 13.Semi Matalau
Rewa FC: 1.Simione Tamanisau 2.Peniame Drova 4.Inoke Turagalailai 5.Patrick Joseph 6.Kishan Sami 7.Anish Khem 8.Setareki Hughes 9. Bruce Hughes 12.Tevita Waranaivalu 16.Kavaia Rawaqa 28. Jale Dreloa substitutes: 21.Senirusi Bokini 11.Madhwan Goundar 13.France Catarogo 14.Josaia Sela 18.Iowane Matanisiga 19.Mohammed Naizal
