FIJI – Nadroga is confident it will survive in the Super Premier grade following the New World National Football League relegation series with Savusavu next month.

The Stallions lost 4-2 to Rewa while Tavua beat Nasinu 4-0 in the last round of the Bottom Four competition on Wednesday night.

This will be the second time since 2005, when Nadroga also faced Savusavu, that they will feature in the series to determine who remains in the Super Premier Grade.

“It is unfortunate that we finished last this season and have to play in this series, but we are confident of being in the Super Premier grade next year,” said Nadroga President
lalit Singh. “We have a development plan in place and have local players who are part of this team.

“We are happy with the achievements of the team in IDC and what they have done but we have to play in the series and we will prepare accordingly.”

He said while they would have an upper hand against Savusavu, his side wouldn’t underestimate the Northerners.

“They (Savusavu) have been knocking on the Super Premier door for some time and will not be easy.”

Savusavu president Jabid Hussein said they were keeping a low profile.

“We have the core of the team from the IDC and maybe a few new inclusions,” said Hussein. “We know Nadroga will be strong as they have the experience of playing in Super
Premier.”

Fiji Football Association chief executive Bob Kumar said the series would be played mid January.

Meanwhile, the Rewa side was represented by the United club in its last two matches in the league.

United president Abdul Shah said if the young players from his club were given game time this year at district level, Rewa would have had more success.

“These are young under 19 players who we fielded and they have proven that they can do it,” Shah said.

United is preparing for the National Club Championships to be held next month.

“We have lost in the semi-finals and final in the past two years and this time the aim is to get the title,” he said. “We have a lot of young players with a couple of experienced
boys and this has made us a very good side. “Hopefully they get the break next year at district level.”