The HLB Mann Judd Suva futsal team has successfully claimed their second consecutive Extra Futsal title after a definitive 3-0 victory over Tailevu Naitasiri in the final held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. This win marks a significant achievement for the Suva team, who showcased their prowess throughout the tournament.
The goals in the final were scored by Krishneel Singh, Merrill Nand, and Nikhil Chand, highlighting their offensive capabilities. Despite the defeat, Tailevu Naitasiri’s performance was commendable as it marked their first time reaching the finals. The young team, featuring players such as Neeraj Sharma, Nitin Chand, and Vinayak Rao, exhibited resilience and determination against a seasoned Suva squad composed of several national representatives.
Tailevu Naitasiri’s coach, Shivneel Kumar, expressed pride in his team’s journey, especially in overcoming injuries and fatigue. He emphasized that this experience would serve as a foundation for future seasons, aiming for stronger performances going forward.
The tournament also reflects the growing enthusiasm and competitiveness in local futsal, as witnessed by Suva’s earlier triumphs. In the previous rounds, Suva faced a setback when they lost 2-1 to 4R Electrical. However, they rebounded by defeating Nadi 4-2 in the semi-finals before reclaiming their title with the victory against Lautoka. Head coach Vivek Nadan praised his team’s resilience, noting that learning from early losses can be crucial for success in later matches.
With the tournament concluded, both Suva and Tailevu Naitasiri look ahead to future opportunities. Suva is expected to take a break before preparing for the next season starting in January, hopeful of continuing their legacy in futsal. This recent campaign also shared a stage with significant successes in women’s futsal, as Rewa claimed the championship in the women’s division, further enriching the narrative of local sports development.
Overall, the triumph of the HLB Mann Judd Suva futsal team not only highlights their skill and determination but also inspires hope for the future of futsal in the region, encouraging young athletes to pursue their dreams in sports.