More interest on Futsal carnival
The organisers of the 3rd Island Pacific Apparel Futsal Carnival will decide this week if they will stick with 48 teams or allow for more teams. The need to review the number of teams comes after the team registration had exceeded the 48team limit. Tournament co-ordinator, Nadeem Mohammed said that they expected this to happen, given that this is the biggest Futsal carnival with attractive prizes on offer.
“Currently, we got 66 teams shortlisted and a good number have started paying the entry fee of $140,” Mohammed said. He said they have requested other teams to pay their entry fee by November 10 or else they lose their place in the tournament. “I’m extremely indebted to Mr Govind Goundar, the managing director of Island Pacific Apparel Limited and marketing manager Sunil Chand. Together with Mr Bashir Patel of Hai’s Autoport (Canada) Limited and associate sponsors of 4R Limited, Canform Hardware Limited, Sports World, Classic Signs Limited, Super Drugs Pharmacy, South Pacific Business Solutions, Skylite Security, Reliance Pharmacy, Sharma’s Music Centre and KK’s Hardware Limited for assisting us in making this carnival grow so early.” Mohammed said they also acknowledged Fiji Sun for being their print media partners.
“This year will also see the addition of a veteran’s event which will be known as the Fiji Sun Masters competition, which will be a 16-team event where the winners get $500 and a trophy with the runners-up pocketing $250 and a trophy.” He also said Island Pacific Apparel Limited has also announced that a percentage of income received from teams purchasing their jersey for this tournament would be directed to students studying at Nadi Muslim College. “We are incredibly thankful to Island Pacific Apparel Limited for this initiative.”
Tagged as Fiji’s biggest Futsal carnival, the winners pocket $1500 cash along with the late Mohammed Rafiq Cup and 15 medals. The runners- up receive $600 cash, trophy and 15 medals while the semi- finalists will be rewarded with $140 and a shield each. “In simple terms, a team reaching the semi-finals will get the entry fee back and a consolation of a shield with compliments of Hai’s Autoport (Canada) Limited.” Mohammed highlighted that teams are coming better prepared this year for a bigger and better tournament.
“This is further boosted with four Futsal specialist referees being brought in from Suva to officiate and at the same time create awareness about Futsal refereeing among their Western counterparts.” He said the pool draws is expected to be done by the end of November and the twoday event will be from December 11-12 at Nadi Muslim College grounds. Edited by Leone Cabenatabua