Farthest travelling team in this year’s Vanua Levu Muslim interdistrict championship Ali’s Fashion sponsored Taveuni team along with Savusavu are aiming not to return home empty-handed.

They both want to break the long drought that has been denying them the title and prize.

Taveuni and Savusavu were 2018 and 2019 champions respectively.

While Taveuni is one of the 12 teams in the premier division, Savusavu is one of the 11 in the super premier division.

The weeklong tournament kicked off yesterday at Subrail Park in Labasa.

Sheik Ali who has been coaching the Garden Island team for ten years with five wins under his sleeve is coaching the side.

Taveuni district rep Mohammed Irfan and Sulfraz Buksh are in this time to add strength to the side.

“The team have been preparing the last three weeks, we want to win this tournament,” Ali said.

“The weeklong annual tournament resuming after two years of COVID-19 pandemic will surely have an impact on our performance.”

Tournament’s chairperson Aiyub Khan confirmed that the main sponsor is Digicel with the Bank of Baroda and M&M Truck Repair USA as co-sponsors.

Meanwhile, Savusavu team president Zahid Hussain said they have a power packed team coached by former Suva and Fiji rep Tony Kabakoro who is originally from Savusavu.

“We are the defending champion of the 2018 and 2019 tournaments and this year our aim is to retain the title,” Hussain said.

Savusavu has the services of Sharif Shah, Billy Hussain, Taiyab Ali, Rozal Hussain, Khair Khan, current savusavu reps Gus Hussain, Raiyaz Ali, Zain hussain, Zarif Mohammed and current Lami Futsal Rep Masooq Iliyaaz.

Super Premier

Pool 1: Savusavu, Salove, Wailevu, Vunimoli, Nabekavu and Batinikama. Pool 2: Tabia, Seaqaqa, Nasea, Soasoa, Korowiri andc Basoga.

Premier division

Pool 1: Taveuni, Savusavu, Bulileka, Basoga, Dreketi and Seaqaqa.  Pool 2: Vunimoli, Tabia, Batinikama, Nadogo, Tadravula and Bua.

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