Defending Vodafone Fiji FACT tournament champions Jack’s Nadi are confident of retaining the title.

Nadi Football Association secretary Mohammed Rafiq said their coach is working with a formidable side as they gear their preparations towards the tournament.”

“We will be defending the title and our aim is to retain it,” he said.

“We have great teams in our pool but that will only bring the best out of us as the competition progresses. We always respect other teams.”

Rafiq said they are banking on strikers Rusiate Matererega and Napolioni Qasevakatini to do the damage upfront as they have been playing well.”

Nadi have been drawn with Ba, Labasa and minnows Dreketi in Group A.

Nadi have won the Fiji FACT title in 1996, 2013, 2014 and 2016.

Although the Green Machine will miss defender Ilimotama Jese because of a suspension they however welcome the return of Waisake Tabucava after serving a double yellow card suspension.