Local talent powers Australia to MISA glory

Local district players played a key role as Team Australia won the Manautul Islam Sports Association (MISA) Championship at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Monday night.

Team Australia, featuring William Valentine, Mohammed Shazil, Alfraz Ali, Nabil Begg and Faazil Ali, thrashed Zibraaz Shahib’s Lautoka side 4-1 in the Cup final.

Team Australia coordinator Mohammed Saddiq Koya congratulated the players on their improved performance after they finished runners-up last year.

MISA secretary Mohammed Alfaz said the association was proud to have introduced three categories this year: Under-17, veterans and the main competition.

“This is the first time we have introduced the Under-17 category, with so many young players participating,” he said.

“This is a very important step for our association because our young generation represents the future of our sports community. We must continue encouraging, developing and supporting our young talents.”

Manautul Islam Association of Fiji treasurer Hafiz Rahiman said the objective was not only to win trophies but also to develop discipline, teamwork, brotherhood and sportsmanship among players.

He also acknowledged the sponsors, saying an event of this nature could not be successful without their generous support.

Results

Main competition

• Sarava 8-0 Rifle Range
• Maigania 2-1 Al Karim
• Lautoka 2-1 Nadi
• Saweni 1-2 Australia

Finals

• Under-17: Nadi beat Lautoka 1-0
• Veterans: Maigania beat Lautoka 1-0
• Cup final: Australia beat Lautoka 4-1

Placings

• Fifth/sixth place: Sarava beat Maigania 5-0
• Third/fourth place: Saweni beat Nadi 2-0

Individual awards

• Best team: Sarava
• Best player: Abdul Sahil (Lautoka)
• Golden Boot: Faazil Ali (Australia)
• Golden Gloves: Aziz (Australia)