Lautoka reps boosted Team Police Nadi with a 3-1 victory over Manasa Boys FC in the inaugural Pacific Girmit Football Championship 2023 final at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Monday night.

The Sugar City side laced with the country’s top marksman Sairusi Nalaubu, Afraaz Ali, Dev Raj, and Praneel Naidu made sure that the side remained undefeated in the three-day event.

Nalaubu scored a hat trick with his classic touch attitude while Semesa Sacere came off the bench to score for his team, but was too late to change the scoreboard.

Nippy Afraaz Ali said the Lautoka reps in the side were using the tournament to test their fitness and agility level for the Digicel Fiji FACT which is scheduled in the coming weeks in Suva.

“It was great to test us out again in this kind of competition, we needed this action-packed weekend and it worked for us big time,” Ali said.

The side collected $3000 as prize money while Manasa Boys collected $1500 as runner-up.

Sigatoka/Nadi Special administrator Lawrence Kumar said, “The aim of this championship is to bring people together; inclusive in unity and diversity. Good to know that this tournament will continue in future just like the Courts IDC, which has stood the test of time. Kudos to the organisers.”

Tournament Chairman Pravin Singh said it would be bigger and better next year.

Singh thanked the sponsors Sigatoka Electric, RC Manubhai, and Tour Managers for their collaboration.

In the Open semi-final: Namaka Boys caused the upset by Nadroga Stallions 1-0, and Police defeated GFC Nawaka Lions.

In the Masters final: Rewa edged Namaka 1-0 and Legends final Rewa beat Valley 2-0.

Awards: Best player of the tournament – Sairusi Nalaubu (Police), New find – William Khan (Nadroga Stallions).

Story by: Waisea Nasokia – waisean@fijisun.com.fj