Courtesy: Fiji Sun


Futsal star shines for Navua

20/7/2009

Ba lost 0-2 to Southern Forest Navua in the New World National League at the TFL National Stadium in Suva yesterday.
Solomon Islands futsal rep Jack Wetney was the toast of the Navua team displaying marvellous footwork and skills that caught the Ba defender off guard.

Wetney was a thorn in the Ba side as he masterminded the Navua attacking force to record the biggest scoreline Navua has scored against Ba.

Wetney was instrumental for Navua when he beat three Ba defenders to set up Jesoni Takala in Navua's first goal in the 40th minute.

Ba without the services of some of their key players like Osea Vakatalesau, Peni Finau, Aisea Codro, Malakai Tiwa gave their best shot but their best was not enough to win them the game.

The men-in-black was taken to task by the Navua team who played superbly under the soggy Laucala underfoot.

Former Ba player Pita Baleitoga put the final nail on the Ba’s coffin when he scored a classic goal in the second spell to put his team on the driver’ seat.

Ba striker Josai Bukalidi and Ronald Lawrence missed out several opportunities.

But again the day belonged to Navua thanks to their Solomon Islands import that provided the much needed spark in their attacking force.

Navua coach Gurjit Singh was in cloud nine after the win and was full of praises for Wetney.

“He was our hero in today’s game he has magnificent skills and played a huge role in our win,” Singh said.

“Jack displayed some breathtaking skills and he would be an asset to our side during the Inkk Mobile BOG.

“I also thank the other boys in the team who played together as a unit that resulted to the win.

“This is one of biggest scoreline we have scored against Ba for a very long time and I thank the boys for their effort.”

Navua soccer boss Anil Sharma echoed the similar sentiments that Wetney played a huge role in their win.

“Jack has proven to us today that he has it takes to be in the team and the reason why we wanted him in the very first place.

“He will lead our attacking force at the upcoming Inkk BOG tournament.”

Sharma said he has a lot of respect for Ba and knew that the men-in-black would bounce back strongly.





Courtesy: Fiji Times


Solo find

By Indra Singh

Monday, July 20, 2009

SOLOMON Island strikers are set to take Fiji soccer by storm with Navua leading the charge to bring in one of the best marksmen in the region, Benjamin Totori.

Navua soccer president Anil Sharma says he would only get in players who will benefit his side and help the soccer standard in the country improve.

Sharma is in the process of wrapping up a deal with Totori, who was a team mate of Fiji's Roy Krishna at Waitakere United in New Zea-land last year.

Sharma's Navua beat Ba 2-0 in the NewWorld National Football Lea-gue yesterday as new Solomon Islands import Jack Wetney played a key role.

Wetney, the star from Solomon Islands Futsal, joined Navua earlier this week, while Fiji FACT hero James Naka arrives next month.

Sharma said players Navua brought had paid dividends.

"I only get players who I know will benefit my team and my players," Sharma said.

"I go personally to look at these players and do not take the opinion of others.

"These players come in and change the way our players play and that is a benefit."

Fiji Football Association vice president Faiaz Ali said the arrival of the likes of Totori, Naka and Wetney would give the youngsters around them a chance to learn more skills.

The former Rewa president said the recent Oceania Futsal play-offs were an indication of how skilful the Solomon Islanders were.

"With Navua brining in players as these, it helps our players learn a lot," Ali said.

"While we are physical and have the skills, our players are better quipped to play against these players and learn from them.

"We need to live in a professional manner if we are to see football progress because the only way for this to happen is if we have our players play against the best."

There has been a lot of talk over the years about import players but Sharma said imports were needed.

"If we bring in good players who help in winning than what is the harm

"Today (yesterday) Jack Wetney showed that," Sharma said.

"He played an instrumental role in both goals."









Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com