United stands tall

STRIKER Samuela Drudru guided City United to lift the Kiwi Glass and Aluminum-sponsored Lautoka Football Association local league title at Nadovu Park yesterday.

City United defeated QPES Service 3-0 in the final. Drudru proved to be the star in the match scoring two second half goals.

He was at the right spot and the right time to sneak the ball past goalkeeper Mofaiz Hussein in the 32nd and 48th minute.

Shameem Ali scored the other in the 40th minute.

Service missed a late penalty.

City United featured district reps Senirusi Bokini, Dave Radrigai and Sekove Finau.

Veteran Mohammed Saiyaz Aziz captained Service.

City United was formed in 2014 and played in the National Club Championship in 2015 and 2016.

In the 2015 NCC, City United lost to Ba's 4R Electrical Men in Black in the final.

City United has been the bridesmaid to Press in the past two seasons finishing as the runner-up in the local league.

However it was third time lucky for the Rakesh Kumar coached team yesterday.

"The first half was a bit scrappy as the boys could not function," he said.

"The message at halftime was to push up in front. Drudru was heavily marked but he managed to score twice.

"Winning the first local league title in four years of existence is a big achievement.

"However there is no celebration planned to mark this victory yet.

"We are focusing on the National Club Championship playoffs."

City United FC: Senirusi Bokini, Shalvin Kumar, Navneel Nand, Shameem Ali, Rahesh Kumar, Jale Nakacia, Irinale Nabalarua, Samuela Drudru, Emmanuel Prakash, Sekove Finau, Dave Radrigai. Service: Abhikash Mudaliar, Kavaia Rawaqa, Navneet Nair, Rajeev Prasad, Inoke Saukuru, Timoci Delai, Taniela Vaca, Viliame Sucu, Dipak Naidu, Mofaiz Hussein, Mohammed Saiyaz Aziz.