In its bid to secure the prestigious Battle of the Giants title, Fiji club Navua have shopped early and recruited sensational Solomon Island Futsal star Jack Wetney.
The 19-year-old has already made an impact helping Navua to a 2-0 win over Ba at TFL National Stadium on Sunday in this weekend’s feature match of the NewWorld National Soccer League.
Wetney made a good start upfront setting up the opening goal of the match in the 40th minute which was finished off well by his strike partner Jesoni Takala. Pita Bolaitoga then headed home in the 58th minute to secure the victory for Navua.
Club President Anil Sharma was ecstatic with the win and acknowledged Wetney’s strong performance on debut.
“I am happy with Jack Wetney’s performance as he played well despite not being used to playing on a wet and slippery pitch like this.”
Wetney caught the eye of Sharma last week at the OFC Futsal Championship in Suva where he scored seven goals for the Solomon Kurukuru as they defended their Oceania title. He earned the Futsal Golden Ball award for best player and awed fans with his blistering pace and silky footwork.
The performance prompted Sharma to make a trip to the Solomon Islands and recruit the talented youngster.
“I flew to the Solomon Islands earlier in the week and after talking to his family and officials, I was able to bring him over to Fiji and am certain he will deliver for Navua in both the National Soccer League and Battle of the Giants,” said Sharma.
“He is young and has a lot to offer to Navua and I am happy to see him excel further in his football career.
Wetney will eventually pair up with compatriot James Naka who is currently training with the Solomon Islands Beach Soccer team in preparation for the OFC Beach Soccer Championship Tahiti Nui 2009 from 27 – 31 July. Following his Beach Soccer commitments, Naka will join Navua for the Battle of the Giants.
In other National Soccer League action this weekend, Tavua drew 1-1 with Rewa, Suva beat Nadi 4-0 and Lautoka beat Nadroga 1-0.
Story courtesy of www.fijilive.com