Nasea Combine Lifts Sanatan Title

Nasea Combine Sanatan won the Digicel Labasa Sanatan final after beating Namoli Sanatan 6-5 (penalty kicks) at Subrail Park, on Sunday night.

It was the first time for both teams to reach the final following the nine days of competition.

It was a year to remember for Nasea as they bagged seven awards.

“We dedicate our win to the late Amit Maharaj, a resident of Nasea whose brothers took the lead role to form this team,” Coach Shavneel Prasad said

“It is the first time Nasea Combine entered this competition and also the first time for me to scoop the Best Coach award.”

The 30-year-old of Naduna, Labasa bachelor, works at the Fiji National Sports Commission as a sports development officer.

He has coached other teams in the past including Naduna, Nagata Shiu Shakti and Naduna/Nagata Combine team teams which only reached quarter-finals.

Namoli Sanatan

Namoli Sanatan’s Sachin Narayan was named Best Player of the tournament while Krishnil Karan won the Best Manager award.

Team coach Mohammed Faiaz, who is the vice-principal at Labasa College thanked his players for their commitment in maintaining discipline and delivering their best performance.

“The team consisted of village boys while seven came from Suva. They didn’t get a chance to train together as a team,” Faiaz said.

“It was the first time for us to form a team our officials were also new.”

Sangam Masters triumph

Sangam Masters Sanatan side is the first to win the newly introduced veterans’ competition.

They beat Vunivau Veterans 1-0 and Batinikama Veterans 2-0 to claim the title.

They had won the final against Batinikama by default as their opponents had fielded unregistered players.

Sangam Masters manager and player Arvin Raju said they were happy to be the first winner.

Captain Rajendra Narayan was named the Best Veteran Player of the tournament.

“We have a group called Sangam Wellness where men in their 30s to 40s along with their children gather to play football every weekend at the Sangam Primary School ground.

“This is our way to promote healthy living,” Raju said.

“Diveni Sami is our president and we have about 20 members, we also carry out community work in an effort to reduce Non-Communicable Diseases.”

The group was formed four years ago.

Raju acknowledged their sponsors and families for their support.

Other Awards

Best Dressed Team- Lajonia Jyoti Sanatan

Best Upcoming Team- Nadawa Sanatan

Veteran Winner- Sangam Masters

Veteran Best Player- Rajendra Narayan of Sangam Masters

U-13 Winner- Vunivau Sanatan

U-13 Best Player- Manor Lal of Vunivau Sanatan

Golden Ball- Sahil Naresh of Coqeloa Sanatan.

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