FIJI’S wonder boy Roy Krishna showed how much he has learnt from his exposure with Waitakere United, as the player from Siberia got a brace for Vodafone Labasa in their 3-0 wn over Suva at the Courts Homecentres Inter District Competition at Govind Park.
Vanuatu striker Joseph Namiriau scored the third goal and the two have formed a deadly combination and yet again could prove to be the key to Labasa’s progress on western soil. Labasa has never won a title in the west and are keen to end the drought.
Suva, who have not won the IDC for 25 years, did not look like a winning team and might have to wait for another year based on their performance last night.
The Whites defence and pattern of play was way off the mark and coach Oscar Tembo will have to dig deep if he is to bring glory to the capital city.
Suva will know today if it will progress further in the tournament as the side has two matches. The Inosi Cava-captained side will meet Esala Masi’s Nadroga before facing arch-rivals Rewa.
Nadi and Nadroga played out a 0-0 draw in the opening match of the tournament while Tavua beat Nasinu 2-1.
Nadroga has the best chance to cement a place in the semi-finals as the side has two matches today. Apart from Suva, the import laden side will play Rewa, which is expected to be a thriller.
Nasinu is another side with a tough challenge ahead as they face two matches against a star-studded Navua and Lautoka.
Navua with imports Matthew Williams and Che Bunce from New Zealand along with Rasmus Hansen from Denmark, has never won the IDC.
Navua soccer president Anil Sharma wants that to end but it will take a mammoth effort from the side.
Tavua goalkeeper Jone Turagarere was the hero for Tavua in its 2-1 win over a luckless Nasinu.
The veteran goalkeeper who turns 40 next month proved that age is no barrier in sports, pulling several magnificent saves to deny Nasinu a bright start in the tournament.
Tavua coach Lambert Sarju heaped praises on Turagarere, adding he could match top goalies in the country.
The side has not been given much of a chance by most. however, the performance put on by the minnows, could see the side spring a few surprises in Ba.
Gone was the Tavua pattern of kick and chase, as the side resorted to more constructive football. Sarju said the side was not at the tournament to make up the numbers.
"We are happy with the first win, but we still have three games to go and we need to sharpen up on attack," Sarju said.
"Most have been talking about the bigger teams, and we would prefer to stay the underdogs."
Esava Naitisiwai got a goal in each half to earn Tavua the three points.
Nasinu with imports Robert Mafane and Aldrine Kilua combined well early in attack, however Tavua scored on the counter in the eighth minute.
Nasinu managed to equalise through Kaushik Kumar moments before half-time after a defensive blunder.
Naitasiwai sealed Tavua’s win with a thunderous drive two minutes before full time.
Tavua will play Lautoka today.
Oakley Cannons striker Ratu Veresa Toma says it is critical for Nadroga to start scoring from its next match. This after the Stallions were held to 0-0 draw by Nadi .
The 27-year-old, dreadlocked warrior from Yako Village showed glimpses of his old form, which made him a feared striker on the local scene, before he sustained a career threatening knee injury.
"It is good to be back playing in Fiji after a long time," Toma said.
"I am improving with every game since recovering from injury and I am pleased to have played well in such a competitive game.
"We should have won by two goals, but we are happy with the draw because Nadi too had chances and both teams played really well.
Nothing much can be said about the game because it was our first one together."
Toma said despite the draw, the side was happy with the result and overall performance.
"A chance is always a chance and you have got to take it to be in the last four," he said.
"I am sure we will start scoring goals from the next game and also be one of the teams in the semi-finals." Nadi coach Ravuama Madigi hailed his defenders and said they were lucky to escape with a point.
"The backline was outstanding. They are good ball players and also very physical," Madigi said.
"Nadroga had two good chances which the goalkeeper did very well to save."
Madigi said Nadi would regroup and return a stronger unit for today’s game against Labasa.
"We need to improve to beat Labasa," he said.
With a combined total of overseas-based 10 players featuring in the opening game, Nadi and Nadroga set the stage for what will be a fiercely contested IDC.
The class of both the teams was clearly evident from the start with a number of shots fired on target.
Tayfun Derrimol missed Nadroga’s best chance after being put into space by Esala Masi midway in the first half while the footwork of crafty Tolgay Ozby is sure to keep fans amused in the tournament.
Lautoka and Ba played a 1-1 draw.
Lautoka’s Valerio Nawatu scored in the 24th minute, but Fiji striker Maciu Dunadamu equalised within two minutes.