The Rewa soccer team are the new champions of the National Women’s winner vs Champion after defeating Labasa 5-4 in a penalty shootout at Fiji Football Academy in Suva yesterday.

Coach Marika Rodu said the win was well deserved as it was a reward for the players’ hard work during training.

“It has been a long journey for these girls,”he said.

“We set goals in the beginning of the season to work hard and train hard and that’s what we did.

“We made it to the finals last year but did not progress any further so we made an effort to make some changes in the way we play.

“The girls held their own and even though they were clearly tired, they never gave up.”

“I’ve definitely seen a lot of improvement and the girls have a bright future ahead.”

Meanwhile, Labasa coach Arthur Simmons said while they lost, he was still proud of the performance of the players.

It was tough physical game in both the first and second half with both teams fighting hard to break the deadlock.

Rewa, however, came out on top with Raijeli Lewasoqevula, Mereani Moceituba, Jennifer Ravutia, Joyce Naceva and Timaima Vuniyayawa scoring their five goals during the penalty kicks.

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