Suva football coach Babs Khan is likely to take up a new assignment.

This was revealed after the Vinz Suva side clinched the Vodafone Fiji FACT title with a 1-0 win over Ezy Kool Nadi in the final at Subrail Park, Labasa, yesterday.

Earlier on Khan coached Suva to win the Vodafone Premier League title.

He has achieved this during his first year of coaching the Capital City side.

Speaking to SUNsports, Khan said first he has to settle a few issues with the Suva Football Association executives.

“At the moment, I will take the win home and assess what is next for me,” he said.

“When I came in, it was hard, you got to understand your players. I understood them really fast and it showed by winning the two titles.

“We have a lot of high profile players, and they have been through a lot of good coaches too.”

Considering his next assignment, Khan says, it will still be Suva.

“We just have a few things to talk about. I will have to set-up a youth development system where we could get in players from youth grades into our main team.

“It’s hard work but it’s not easy,” he added.

Khan said despite the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown his players had been playing throughout the year and had stood the test.

He said for the Suva team playing at Subrail Park was like a home ground to them.

“I guess this is our home ground too because Suva always wins here. We have not lost to them (Labasa) and to the Nadi team this year.”

Khan also saluted the Nadi coach Kamal Swamy for developing a young team, as they showed a lot of potential.

Vinz Works Suva captain Ravinesh Karan Singh is being sandwiched by Nadi captain Sakaraia Naisua (left) and Mosese Nauci (9) during the Vodafone Fiji FACT final at Subrail Park, Labasa on December 6, 2020. Suva won 1-0. Photo: Renu Radika

What happened:  Nadi started strongly as they went on attack.

Veteran midfielder, Avinesh Suwamy, set-up strikers Sakaraia Naisua and Mosese Nauci who failed to score.

Nauci was replaced by Rusiate Matarerega in the 28th minute.

Suva goalkeeper Beniamino Mateinaqara made spectacular saves including a header by Nadi’s Ame Votoniu.

Halftime: Suva 0-0 Nadi
Afraz Ali missed a header from Suva’s Shahil Dave’s attempt which hit Serevi Waqa’s back and into their own goal. Suva led 1-0.

Suva held on to the lead as they pulled everyone back to defend.

Vinz Works Suva goalkeeper Beniamino Mateinaqara makes a diving save against Ezy Kool Nadi in the Vodafone Fiji FACT final at Subrail Park, Labasa, on December 6, 2020. Mateinaqara also received the Golden Glove Award. Suva won 1-0. Photo: Fiji FA Media

Comment: Nadi coach, Kamal Swamy, said: “It is unfortunate, I think it was our defensive error that led to the goal.

It was an own goal.

Overall we matched them very well, although they are a star sudded side, it’s just one goal difference, we were just unlucky.

“This year was not bad, these young players played very well for this season and we look forward to next year.

“It will be up to the officials if they want to keep me if not then I will be looking for other teams.”

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