It was Rewa’s day, says coach

Defending Extra Premier League champions Rewa got off to a flying start as they walloped Tailevu/Naitasiri 4-0 in the opening round at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori yesterday.

The Priyant Manu coached-side took the lead in the 30th minute from a penalty kick where Patrick Joseph’s attempt found the back of the net.

In the 46th minute Mosese Nabose scored Rewa’s second goal as they led 2-0 at halftime.

Tailevu/Naitasiri came back strongly in the second half but was held at bay by the Rewa defenders. In the 77th minute striker Semi Matalau made no mistake with his attempt to increase Rewa’s tally to 3-0. Continuous pressure saw Rewa scored their fourth goal in the 79th minute through Norman Ngahu.

Manu said his team displayed dominance with a calm and composed mindset. 

“We showed what Rewa is all about,” he said.

“I think our opposition got hyped through social media but we kept humble and clam. The team has been rebuilt with so many young players.”

Manu commanded the new youth quota football law implemented this season.

“The new law is going on well and is good with Rewa football. It’s a bright future for Fiji football giving good exposure for the young boys.”

Manu said they are building momentum and chemistry within the team, one game at a time.

“We have 18 games to play and each game we’ll treat as a final. We’ll have a few tough roads but as we go along, we should be getting better.”

Manu urged the Rewa fans to continue to rally behind the team in the new season. 

Tailevu/Naitasiri head coach Shabneel Prasad acknowledged his players’ efforts despite their loss to Rewa.

“Rewa is a champions side. We came prepared but to player unavailability, we had to reshuffle our team. We started well and I thank the boys for the hard fought battle.”

Prasad will look to secure his senior players in their next match.

“We’ll reshuffle and work on our defence,” he added.

Nalaubu stars in Ba’s win 

Veteran striker Sairusi Nalaubu showed that he has got what it takes by scoring two goals for Ba is their 5-2 win over Nadroga in their Premier League encounter at Govind Park yesterday.

Naulaubu drew first blood as Ba led 1-0 before Rusiate Doidoi made it 2-0 at halftime.

In the second half Ba’s goals came from Nalaubu, Penisoni Tirau and Elijah Abetem. Nadroga managed to score two goals to Semesa Sacere and Tomasi Tuicakau. 

In other results, Lautoka played to a 1-1 draw against visitors Suva at Churchill Park. At Prince Charles Park, hosts Nadi managed a second half goal to beat Navua 1-0. 

Bula FC goes down

Meanwhile, the Extra Bula FC suffered a 2-0 loss to Vanuatu United FC in their OFC Pro-League clash in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday.

Premier League results: Labasa 0-0 Nasinu, Lautoka 1-1 Suva, Ba 5-2 Nadroga, Nadi 1-0 Navua.