The HLB Mann Judd Suva futsal team has claimed their second consecutive Extra Futsal title with a decisive 3-0 victory over Tailevu Naitasiri in the final, held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. This victory underscores Suva’s dominance in the tournament, showcasing their skill and teamwork throughout.
Krishneel Singh, Merrill Nand, and Nikhil Chand scored the goals in the final, demonstrating Suva’s offensive strength. Although Tailevu Naitasiri faced defeat, their achievement in reaching the finals for the first time was commendable. The young team, featuring talents like Neeraj Sharma, Nitin Chand, and Vinayak Rao, showed significant resilience against a more experienced Suva side, which included several national representatives.
Coach Shivneel Kumar expressed pride in his team’s performance, particularly their ability to overcome injuries and fatigue during the tournament. He noted that this experience would serve as a solid foundation for future campaigns, providing a springboard for more competitive performances ahead.
The tournament illustrated the growing enthusiasm and competitive spirit within local futsal. Suva faced a challenging path to the final, having previously lost 2-1 to 4R Electrical but rebounding powerfully to beat Nadi 4-2 in the semi-finals and ultimately reclaiming the championship against Lautoka. Head coach Vivek Nadan highlighted the importance of learning from defeats, emphasizing that such experiences can be pivotal for success in subsequent matches.
As the tournament wraps up, both Suva and Tailevu Naitasiri are looking forward to future endeavors. Suva will take a brief break before gearing up for the next season, which begins in January, with hopes of extending their impressive legacy in futsal. This season also celebrated the growth of women’s futsal, as Rewa won the championship in the women’s division, further enriching the local sports landscape.
The success of the HLB Mann Judd Suva futsal team not only highlights their determination and capability but also serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring young athletes in the region, encouraging them to pursue their sporting dreams with passion and commitment.