The Safety Security Management Tailevu Naitasiri side won the heart of many football fans with their sterling performance during 2022 Digicel Fiji FACT at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
Despite bowing out of the semi-finals, the Nigel Khan-coached side proved they were not in the tournament to just make numbers.
The Sky Blue Color Boys surprised many beating Nasinu 2-1 in the opener held Nadroga to a 1-all draw, lost to Suva 0-1 in a controversial penalty goal and were edge 1-2 against Ba.
Association president Sandeep Roy praised his players for their gallant performance.
“I am so proud that despite some odds my boys gave their hearts out for Tailevu Naitasrir. They played for pride and they are pride for the district,” said an emotional Roy
Roy said the boys made everyone proud.
“We came into a major tournament after eight years and most of the players have played in the tournament for the first time,”
“They have sacrificed a lot and I salute them and hats off to them.”
“I am very proud of my players as we have come a long way in this tournament and picked up our performance in every match we played,” he said.
Roy praised the effort of coach Nigel Khan and his panel
“I think whatever he has done for Tailevu Naitasiri no one would do like sacrificing all his time to coach and assist the players,”
“He is a true son of Tailevu Naitasiri and has done a lot for the district and I urge the people of Nausori to support him and the team in the future,”
Tailevu Naitasiri gave a tough game to Suva but the Capital City side won 1-0 after a blunder by the match official which gave away Suva a penalty which was scored by Shahil Dave.
Again they equally matched Ba but unfortunately, a last-minute goal gave Ba a 2-1 win.