Swami, a teacher at All Saints Secondary School has been the coach of the Labasa Youth U16 squad in 2020 and 2021. He made a comeback this year.
Labasa Youth Under-16 team during their thanksgiving event in Vunivau on November 28, 2024. Photo: Shratika Naidu
The Labasa Youth Under-16 team aims to retain the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) Digicel Fiji U16 Youth League Northern title next year.
Five members of the team, Zaman Shah, Meli Goneva, Tukai Rovonukula, Avichal Lal and Josaia Natubatilagi had attended the Fiji U16 trials.
Rovonukula, Lal and Natubatilagi were selected.
Rovonukula of Tabia and a student of Labasa Sangam (SKM) College captained the team.
The national team won and qualified for next year’s FIFA World Cup U17.
During the team’s thanksgiving event at Vunivau, last weekend, Labasa Youth U16 coach Shalendra Swami thanked the 30-member squad.
The players came from the following schools; Shri Guru Nanak Khalsa College, All Saints Secondary School, Labasa College, Labasa Sangam (SKM) College, Batinikama College, Labasa Muslim College and Vunimoli Islamia College.
“The boys played 10 games against Nadogo, Savusavu, Seaqaqa, Bua and Dreketi during the year,” Swami said.
“We had eight wins, one draw with Seaqaqa and lost one game to Dreketi.”
He said the team set a record of scoring 68 goals this year.
Zaman Shah was selected as a nominee of the McDonald’s Elite Player of the Year during the Fiji FA Awards Night 2024.
Swami, a teacher at All Saints Secondary School has been the coach of the Labasa Youth U16 squad in 2020 and 2021. He made a comeback this year.
“My aim is win next year’s league and prepare more players to play for the national team,” he added.
Feedback: shratika.naidu@fijisun.com.fj
