After the divisional play-offs Fiji FA opted for a league format to the final three-days of competition which were held over the weekend.
Rewa began their march to glory on Froday with a 5-0 victory over Labasa before bringing brought back down to earth with a 0-0 dtaw against Nadi, who had the services of Fiji U-20 team members Rusiate Matarerega and Napolioni Qasevakatini.
The deciding match proved to be the final match of the competition as Ba had also drawn 0-0 with Nadi and beaten Labasa 3-1 previously to set up a final encounter with Rewa.
Rewa held out in the end to win the competition and earn the 2013 championship crown.
Rewa coach Nigel Khan said the victory was a milestone achievement for his young charges.
“It feels good to win the U-21 title after knocking on the door for quite a number of seasons before finally winning it. The
credit has to go to the players,” Khan said.
“We came out knowing Ba is a very good side. We also knew that if we stayed back to defend Ba would have beaten us so we decided to take the game to them.”
Khan believes that his young talent on display during the U-21 league will prove to be long-term assets to the Rewa Football Association.
“This win is a milestone achievement for the Rewa district. It proves that there is talent in Rewa – the players there have a lot of potential which the district side can use.”
Ba Football Association secretary Iliyaz Khan was humble in defeat and applauded Rewa on their win.
“We played well and the boys tried their best in the conditions. At the end of the day we were not lucky but congratulations to the Rewa side,” Khan said.
“The loss is not a setback for the Ba district as the U-21 play-offs have given us a chance to expose many of our players who are ready to move up to the Super Premier Division, which gives us confidence.”
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