The FACT trophy has eluded Rewa’s grasp since the inception of the competition in 1991 but they now finally have their hands on it after defeating Labasa 1-0 in the final at Lautoka’s Churchill Park last night.
The vital goal was scored just after the halftime break by Solomon Islander James Naka, who is no stranger to FACT success after also hitting the winner for former side Navua in the final two years ago.
The latest title continues a remarkable spell of success for the Delta Tigers and the trophy will now be stored inside the club’s trophy cabinet next to the gongs for winning the Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants, Courts Inter District Championship (IDC) and Pillay Garments Champions League tournaments.
Rewa player-coach Marika Rodu says the squad’s sense of determinated to finally claim the title was strong.
“We meant business from the first day and were able to make it to the final and win,” he says.
“In the final I saw the Labasa team not playing their fast-paced game and that was to our advantage. The boys made sure we kept their speed down.”
Rewa president Pranil Singh is delighted to have added another piece of silverware to an ever-growing collection and believes team work has been the key to the golden run.
“The secret for success is unity amongst the players and officials, which has seen victory after victory,” he says.
“We had an objective and a plan for the Fiji FACT. We have won the IDC and Battle of the Giants but the Fiji FACT was the title which had evaded us. I would like to thank the players and officials who have put in a lot of effort to pull this off.”
Path to the Title
Rewa 1 (Archie WATKINS 52′)
Labasa 0
Rewa 3 (James NAKA pen 10′, George LUI 30′, Joshua WILSON 55′)
Ba 1 (Peter HUGHES 60′)
Rewa 0
Tavua 0
Rewa 0
Navua 0
Semi final:
Rewa 1 (Ratu Veresa TOMA 20′)
Nadi 0
Final:
Rewa 1 (James NAKA 49′)
Labasa 0
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