The Ria Naresh captained- Xa­vier College takes on Vuni­mono High School in the grand final of the Digicel Fiji Secondary Schools Football Associa­tion girls competition at Churchill Park, Lautoka, today.

This was after striker Lavenia Nairoqo scored twice and Naresh slammed in a goal in their 3-0 win over Nadroga Arya College in the semifinal yesterday.

The duo are the survivors from the 2019 Xavier College winning side as the defending champions look ada­mant to retain the silverware.

Team manager Jonelle Muller said: “This year we have a young squad and actually we’ve not really had much pressure.

“We enjoy playing football and are happy to have new talents.

“Even when this particular team moves on next year, we still have a strong team.”

The side fielded their reserve players in their last pool game where they drew 0-0 against Navua’s Vashist Muni College.

The Xavier College side has five Ba reps of Nairoqo, Asela Cokanasiga, Rusila Maka, Kinisimere Malata and Sonia Topaz.

“This year we are not surprised but we can see that the competition is quite tough.

“We see that all the teams are well prepared. It’s more fun to play when all the teams have prepared well and I think it makes the game better,” Muller added.

“I think women’s football, especially starting from secondary school, will soon be a force to be reckoned with.

“They are also taking inspiration from the Fijiana rugby team and probably trying to bring that level of commitment to football.”

In the other semifinal, Vunimono High from Nausori edged Nadi’s Sabeto College 1-0.

Other results: Vunimoli Islamic 1-1 Nadroga Arya, Tavua College 0 – 0 Vunimono High, Sabeto College 2-0 All Saints Sec, Xavier College 0-0 Vashist Muni.

Story By: waisean@fijisun.com.fj