The Fiji National U-16 Boys League 2024 is set to continue this weekend with southern zone fixtures, resuming a competition that was halted last year due to scheduling conflicts and unforeseen challenges.
Fiji FA Competitions Manager Shaniya Shankar shed light on the reasons behind the delay.
“Due to adverse weather conditions and players’ unavailability due to other commitments, we couldn’t run the competition. It will now continue this year,” Shankar explained.
Shankar emphasized the league’s significance in developing youth football in Fiji.
“The continuation of the league is a positive step for youth football development in Fiji. It provides young players with an essential platform to showcase their talent and gain valuable match experience,” she said.
Shankar added that Fiji FA has emphasized its commitment to completing the competition, ensuring that players and teams can finish what they started last year.
‘’The resumption of the league offers an exciting opportunity for young footballers to develop their skills and compete at a higher level.”
Shankar confirmed that while the western and northern zone competitions were successfully concluded, the southern zone fixtures remain.
“We were able to finish the Northern and Western Zone competitions and were only left with the five rounds of Southern competition,” she explained.
Shankar also clarified the eligibility criteria for players. “Players who were registered last year with the team can play, and new players who are eligible to play can also join in,” she confirmed.
Following the conclusion of the southern zone fixtures, a National Play-Off will be held to determine the overall champion, featuring winners from all zones.
Lautoka U16 has been crowned champions of the western zone, while Labasa U16 took the title in the northern zone.
Navua U16 currently leads the southern zone points table after playing eight matches, remaining unbeaten with 22 points. Suva U16 sits in second place with 12 points, followed closely by Rewa U16 in third with 11 points. Both Suva and Rewa have played six matches.
Fixtures:
Saraswati Manoca Primary School Ground, Nausori.
Southern Zone Fixtures
Saraswati Manoca School Ground, Nausori
1st February 2025
- 10:00 am – Nasinu U16 vs. Suva U16
- 12:00 pm – Navua U16 vs. Rewa U16
- 2:00 pm – Tailevu Naitasiri U16 vs. Lami U16
Saraswati Manoca Primary School Ground, Nausori
2nd February 2025
- 10:00 am – Rewa U16 vs. Navua U16
- 12:00 pm – Lami U16 vs. Tailevu Naitasiri U16
- 2:00 pm – Suva U16 vs. Nasinu U16
Saraswati Manoca Primary School Ground, Nausori
8th February 2025
- 10:00 am – Rewa U16 vs. Lami U16
- 12:00 pm – Northland U16 vs. Navua U16
- 2:00 pm – Suva U16 vs. Tailevu Naitasiri U16
Saraswati Manoca Primary School Ground, Nausori
9th February 2025
- 10:00 am – Northland Tailevu U16 vs. Lami U16
- 12:00 pm – Nasinu U16 vs. Tailevu Naitasiri U16
- 2:00 pm – Suva U16 vs. Rewa U16
Saraswati Manoca Primary School Ground, Nausori
15th February 2025
- 10:00 am – Northland Tailevu U16 vs. Suva U16
- 12:00 pm – Navua U16 vs. Lami U16
- 2:00 pm – Nasinu U16 vs. Rewa U16
Saraswati Manoca Primary School Ground, Nausori
22nd February 2025
- 10:00 am – Tailevu Naitasiri U16 vs. Suva U16
- 12:00 pm – Lami U16 vs. Rewa U16
Playoff
- Date and Venue: To Be Confirmed