Rewa buries old hatchet

Local Sports

Rewa coach cum player Ronald Chaudhary fends off a chellenge during the finals of the FSLGV Championship. Picture by Omar Branine.Rewa was crowned champions after 28 years as they beat Navua 2-0 to win the (FSLGV) Fijian Soccer League of Greater Vancouver Championship at Newton Park in Surrey.

Midfielder Shashi Roy and striker Iqbal Khan turned in a brilliant show of pace and vision scoring goals for the historic win.

Roy got the better of Navua goalkeeper Nevel Kumar’s bad clearance, seized on the mistake by driving a shot past him for the opening goal.

Khan scored on a fine solo run, skilfully evading Navua backs to clinically tap in an easy game winner in the second half.

Navua’s dramatic collapse in play had Rewa take control of the game well and dictate the onslaught.

Rewa’s dynamic dual, former Fiji national team midfielders Ronald Chaudhary and Don Shaheem pulped the Navuan’s to their own game.

Former Fiji and Whitecaps star, Ivor Evans held off Navua’s rush with ease at sweeper backs position. The “bull of a defenseman” controlled the defensive tempo of his side’s game.

The final whistle sent a capacity Rewa fans on a celebration frenzy.

Coach Ronald Chaudhary praised the resilience of his players and the hard work of all involved to their victory.

“The entire team played their hearts out. To outplay a quality team like Navua is no easy task, but we’ve done it”, said Chaudhary.

He said their game plan worked well and he’s glad to have been part of Rewa’s historic victory 28 years on.

Despite starting the tournament as hot favourites, Rewa made a terrible start to their campaign, losing their opening match to Nadi 0-1.

"We never stopped believing," Chaudhary said. "Nadi loss was a wake up call. There was no reason not to believe."

However, Rewa grew stronger as the tournament progressed, impressing fans with their unrivalled passing game and strong defence.

Rewa’s last major triumph was in1984 when they won the inaugural IDC, Championship.