In a remarkable kickoff to the Extra Premier League season, defending champions Rewa FC demonstrated their prowess by decisively defeating Tailevu Naitasiri FC with a scoreline of 4-0. The match, which took place on Saturday, underscored Rewa’s dominance and set a positive tone for their campaign.
Rewa’s scoring was initiated by Patrick Joseph, who found the back of the net in the 30th minute, energizing the home crowd. Just ten minutes later, Mosese Nabose doubled their advantage by scoring in the 40th minute, giving Rewa a comfortable lead as they headed into halftime.
The second half saw Rewa maintain their momentum, with Semi Matalau adding to the tally in the 35th minute. This was quickly followed by a goal from Solomon player Norman Ngahu in the 36th minute, confirming a commanding victory for the champions.
Following the match, Rewa FC head coach Priyant Manu expressed pride in his team’s performance. He emphasized the importance of humility and professionalism despite the buzz surrounding Tailevu Naitasiri FC on social media in the lead-up to the game. “First of all, I would like to thank God Almighty for his goodness towards the team. I think we showed today what Rewa is all about—a calm, professional performance,” Manu stated.
Manu also pointed out areas for improvement, particularly in managing the midfield and minimizing offside calls, acknowledging the ongoing process of integrating younger players into the squad. He spoke positively about a new youth quota policy, which promises to bolster the future of football in Fiji. He remarked, “Our message to the players was simple: take it game by game. We have 18 games to play, and we treat each as a final. The young boys need exposure playing in front of the crowd, and this win is a good step forward.”
Conversely, Tailevu Naitasiri FC coach Shabneel Prasad attributed his team’s struggles to unforeseen setbacks. “We prepared well for this match, but unfortunately, three of our key players couldn’t play due to a technical error with the officials,” Prasad explained. He expressed confidence that his team would regroup and return stronger for their next fixture.
Looking ahead, Rewa FC is eager to build on this impressive start in their quest to retain the title, maintaining focus and professionalism throughout the season. Fans are encouraged to rally behind the team as they embark on this promising journey.