Swamy wants midfield boost

Nadi football technical director Kamal Swamy wants to improve their midfield after his team surren­dered a first-half lead to draw 1-1 against hosts during their Extra Premier League clash at Govind Park last Sunday.

Despite dropping two points, Swamy praised their overall per­formance and said the team has improved.

"We started well, but then we sat too deep in defence, which al­lowed Ba to attack," he said.

"There has been a lot of im­provement in the team and we played good football. A lapse in concentration allowed them (Ba) to score, so that's an area we need to improve on."

Nadi took the lead in the first half when striker Jack Vira headed home from a Jimson Abana cross.

Ba equalised in the second half through John Orobulu, who beat Nadi captain Joeli Biuvanua be­fore finding the back of the net to delight of the home fans.

Swamy said maintaining long­er spells of possession in mid­field remains a key focus.

"This way we can contain the ball and then create opportuni­ties for the strikers," he said.

Nadi FA president Mohin Rafiq thanked sponsor Tagimoucia for their continued support and said team morale has remained high heading into the next round.

"After the result in Ba, the boys' morale is very high and we shall continue that going into the next round," he said.

"The team is preparing well with the objective to beat Labasa in Nadi on Sunday."

Veteran players William Val­entine and Ilimotama Jese have returned from New Zealand and are expected to strengthen the squad.

Nadi has now moved to seventh spot on the points table.