Nadi adopts ‘never say die’ attitude

Nadi Muslim College teacher Razhik Buksh scored the winning goal as Nadi edged Drasa 1-0 in the 66th Dayals Sawmillers Muslim Interdistrict Championship (IDC) at Govind Park, Ba, last Sunday.

The nippy striker fired a screamer in the ninth minute as the team featured seasoned campaigners of William Valentine, Sahil Valentine, Mohammed Shalmeen, Mohammed Aryaan, Rishad Khan and Emosi Nababa. Nadi team manager Abdul Nahid said the side remained confident throughout the tournament.

lost it last year. We were optimistic to win it this season,” he said.

“We were undefeated in the tour-nament. We played our style of football, and it proved best.”

He thanked sponsors Munif Builders, Padarath Aluminum, Empire Motors Parts, New Zealand Plumbing and Drainage, and HLB.

Drasa representative Ubadah Bin Khalid said reaching the final after 35 years was a proud moment despite the loss.

“This journey wasn’t easy. I’m proud to have led this team as a coach and player,” he said.

“This isn’t just a result. It’s a story of resilience, belief and never giving up. I’m proud of my team. With limited resources we toppled

strong sides. I’m grateful to every-one who supported us. Onward and upward.”

Tournament major sponsor and Dayal’s Sawmillers director Praneel Dayal said the event continued to uplift players as the Fiji Muslim League marks its 100 years.

He said, as a former student of Kamil College, supporting the tournament was his way of giving back.

In other results, Nadi beat Nasinu in the volleyball final. In the Under-17 grade, Nasinu Muslim College beat Kamil Muslim College 6–5 on penalties.

Malolo TIV falls short in final

Nadi-based Malolo were gracious in defeat, going down 1-4 to Middlemore in the Super Premier Division final of the TIV Sangam Championship at King Charles Park, Nadi, on Monday. Middlemore led

1-0 at halftime after scoring from a corner kick.

Team manager Kartik Reddy said the victory was years in the making.

“This was the one trophy that always eluded us. Today, I can proudly say that mission is accomplished,” he said. “Being part of this journey and achieving this milestone means more than words can express.”

In the Premier Division, Dreketi/Saweni TIV were crowned champions after defeating Melbourne TIV. The match ended 1-1 at fulltime before Dreketi/Saweni won 4-1 on penalties.

In the Legends category, Auck-land Legends secured the title with a narrow 1-0 win over Vancouver Legends. In the Masters Division, Hamilton Masters defeated Lautoka Masters 2-1 to claim the title

Gallau triumphs

Meanwhile, Gallau defeated Velovelo 3-1 in the Super Premier grade of the Andhra Sangam IDC at Garvey Park, Tavua, on Monday following a protest decision.

In the Masters grade, defending champions Vaqia beat Velovelo 2-1 in the final.