FRIENDS United FC, hailing from Nasinu, has made a significant stride by qualifying for the play-offs of the National Club Championship, following an impressive display in the Southern Zone qualifiers over the weekend. The team topped Pool A, kickstarting their campaign with a dominant 7-1 victory against Lami Rangers on Friday, and maintaining their momentum with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against the Pacific Specialist Healthcare Combine Brothers on Saturday.
Nitan Kumar, who serves as both coach and captain, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the team’s achievements, attributing their success to the hard work and dedication of the players. “I’d like to thank the Almighty for the strength He has given us and the guidance for the team’s victory. It’s not just about winning; even a draw allowed us to qualify for the next round,” Kumar remarked. He praised his team for their relentless effort, saying, “They did their part and they just gave their 100 percent.”
However, the road to this achievement has not been without challenges. Kumar highlighted the difficulties the team faces in balancing work commitments with limited training opportunities. Securing suitable practice grounds in Suva has proven challenging, particularly as many players are involved in district and national duties, complicating their ability to train cohesively. “We would never gather together like a team,” he explained, noting that the roster features eight futsal players from both the Fiji national team and the Suva futsal team, in addition to several former district representatives.
Looking forward, Kumar acknowledges the need for ongoing improvement. “There is a lot of room for improvement; we are still learning, and we are not playing as a unit because most of the boys are working, so it’s hard to get the boys together,” he noted.
As FRIENDS United FC prepares for the next stage of the championship, the upcoming match for the Combine Brothers against Tailevu Naitasiri’s Police FC will be a pivotal moment. The journey of FRIENDS United FC exemplifies the power of teamwork and resilience, inspiring others despite the challenges they face. This accomplishment not only spotlight showcases their determination but also serves as motivation for aspiring athletes in the community.