The 2013 OFC U-20 Championship Golden Boot winner got the scoring underway for his side in the 14th minute after the initial shot from Uraia Loki was spilled by Ba goalkeeper Jone Ralulu allowing the 19-year-old to slot home.
The Men in Black did not lose their composure and levelled the score in the 36th minute when Avinesh Swamy found his way past Nadi captain and goalkeeper Benaminio Mateinaqara.
The sides entered the break locked at 1-1 which ensured they both returned to the field more determined to edge ahead of their opponent.
Timely substitutions from Nadi coach Kamal Swamy worked in his team’s favour and Matarerega was once again on the scoreboard this time adding his finishing touch to an Amani Makoe free-kick.
Nadi substitute sealed the win for his side in the 88th minute after beating Ba defender Remueru Tekiata and placing the ball just beyond the reach of Ralulu.
Matarerega was incredibly pleased to have played a part in his side’s successful finals victory.
“First of all I would like to thank God for the wonderful win. I am really proud to help Nadi win this tournament,” the youngster said.
Swamy, who recently coached the Fiji squad at the OFC U-17 Championship in Vanuatu, was incredibly pleased to see his charges earn a victory.
“I am totally on top of the world and the win means a lot to me and all the people of Nadi,” Swamy said.
“This is a first win for me as a coach of a major district and I thank my players, officials, team management and the people of Nadi for having faith and confidence in me.
“This win is for the fans and the families of the players and officials who sacrificed a lot for us. It was not easy to beat Ba but I told my boys that everything is possible if the heart and commitment is there.
“They played their hearts out and it’s not only the 11 players on the field that got us the win. All the 22 players in the squad gave their best and they are all part of our great success.”
Swamy spent time with clubs in Suva, Labasa and Tavua before taking over the reins at Nadi and says he prefers to rely on young, committed local players rather than looking for talent overseas.
“We had a lot of young players in the team and most of them played their first final ever today and this in itself is a major achievement for us,” he said.
“I always believe in our local players and I usually spend my time identifying and developing young talent and giving them a break at district level.”
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