Khan Hopes to Restore Lost Glory

Navua has booked its place in the Extra Supermarket Battle of the Giants semifinals; they will face Labasa. 

This was after Suva failed to beat Rewa in Subrail Park, Labasa. 

River Tubing Fiji/ Classic Travel Tours and Rentals Navua side drew, 1-1, against Stratum Construction Nadi in their last pool game and relied on Rewa to stop Suva’s comeback for a chance to also qualify for the semi-finals.

They had a slow start in the competition with a, 0-2, defeat to Rewa. Navua bounced back and recorded a 3-0 victory against Suva in their second match.

Speaking to SUNsports, head coach Babs Khan said the work was not finished and they will look to restore lost glory.

“We are happy that we have qualified but the job is not yet done,” Khan said.

“It is a step closer to the big dance; its football, anything can happen,” he said.

He believes the team still has room for improvements.

“We made costly mistakes in the game, we need to up our game and avoid these things.

Action from the Extra Battle of the Giants match between Nadi and Navua at Subrail Park, Labasa on August 3, 2025.

Photos: Josua Buredua

Action from the Extra Battle of the Giants match between Nadi and Navua at Subrail Park, Labasa on August 3, 2025.

Photos: Josua Buredua

“Anything can happen in football, that is the beauty of the game,” Khan added.

He said Navua is aiming for victory in Labasa.

“We want to restore lost glory for the team, town and the vanua.

“It is entirely up to us to perform and do well.”

Khan said they will have to go back to the drawing board before this weekend’s clash. 

“Improvement is one key factor we will be working at.

“We need to be at our best come the later stages of the competition,” he revealed.

Thaggard also commended his team for the valiant effort in the pool stages.

“I have a good mix of players; we just need a good tuning.

“It is a do-or-die,” he said.