More than 4000 fans packed the stands at Port Vila Stadium to see Nicholls open the scoring in the 14th minute with a volley from 25 metres out. Nicholls’ veteran strike partner Joseph Namariau added a second for Tafea just ahead of the break to give them a 2-0 lead.
In the second half Seveners defender Junior Issachar scored an own goal, handing Tafea their third strike and the title of the first ever Port Vila Shield champions.
Tafea’s long-time manager Stephen Felix says the young side has more than made their mark on the competition, playing quality football against some tough sides.
“The way we turned things around against Amicale previously, and today against Seveners United, with such a young team, I think we deserve this trophy,” Felix says.
“Football, like life, is unpredictable and crazy. Nobody could have predicted the last three months and to finish like this is incredible. Whatever the future holds for us, we are happy to have won the shield and have to thank our young players, especially Bill Nicholls who came all the way from New Caledonia and performed so well.”
With their victory in the shield, Tafea has qualified to represent Port Vila Football Association in the Sister City Cup in December against Mont-Dore, Lifou and Dumbea from New Caledonia, and will be joined by the champion of the Luganville Municipality.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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