The Dreketi Muslim football team with an American coach Arif Khan went down to Bua 1-0 in the Vanua Levu Muslim Inter District Championship at Subrail Park, Labasa yesterday.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Khan said, he is coaching a young team and they are going to take one game at a time. He is the director and founder of Cacao Fiji Limited.

Bua football manager Mohammed Janif said he was surprised with the win.

“The players’ were united and wanted to win their first match against their neighbours. We didn’t train together as some players are still attending school while the rest were busy with their work. With our first win I believe we will pull through to the final and if it’s God’s will we shall take the trophy home.”

BATINIKAMA ON A MISSION

The Batinikama football team are participating in the Vanua Levu Muslim Inter-District Championship for a reason. While at Subrail Park, Labasa they were out promoting the importance of unity among all people.

Batinikama football coach Khemendra Naidu said yesterday they have got a team playing in the Premier division while the other is in the Super Premier.

“We always participate every year but we come with the motive to promote unity,” he said.

“Over the years we have maintained our discipline and we hope to continue doing that.”

The teams are sponsored by Rashid Bulldoze Works but have yet to win the titles that are up for grabs. They lost 1-0 to Tandravula in their opening pool game.

Tandravula coach Irshaad Gani said, he was happy with the result.

“Our team took the premier cup in 1996, 1998 and 2010. Since then we haven’t achieved much. However, like any other team we hope to win every match and reach the final.”

Tandravula take on neighbour Seaqaqa today while Batinikama face Nabekavu.

TAVEUNI TO BOUNCE BACK

Defending Premier Division champions Taveuni are determined to retain their title despite losing 1-0 to Nadogo.

Taveuni coach Sheik Ali said he is hopeful that they are going to pull through to the playoffs.

“We are the only team that travelled the furthest from one island to the other just to participate in this annual tournament,” he said.

“Having won two times in a row and carrying a lot of expectation from our families and friends will surely push us through. I have faith in my players and they will definitely make us all proud.”

Today, Taveuni take on Dreketi at 9am. When approached Chicken Express Nadogo coach/ player Mohammed Khan said he was happy with the win over the defending champions..

“Thanks to Mohammed Feroz, who scored our goal and the only time we won the premier cup was in 2011. This year we came with only one aim and that is to win nothing less.”

The competition continues today.

Edited by Osea Bola

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