Fiji national team captain Roy Krishna added another trophy to his career after helping NZ Nadi secure their 14th New Zealand Inter-District Championship (IDC) title, scoring three goals during the knockout stages of the competition.
The experienced striker played an important role in NZ Nadi’s successful campaign, particularly in the semi-finals, as the team completed an unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory over NZ Rewa in the grand final.
Krishna, who has enjoyed a lengthy professional career in New Zealand, Australia and India, returned to the football environment of the Fijian community in New Zealand, representing one of the country’s most successful IDC teams.
NZ Nadi finished top of Group A with seven points from three matches, defeating NZ Tailevu 1-0 and NZ Labasa 2-1 before drawing 1-1 with NZ Suva. Their performances secured a place in the quarter-finals, where they comfortably defeated NZ Nadroga 6-0.
Krishna was among the goalscorers in that encounter, converting a penalty in the 57th minute. Samuela Kautoga scored twice, while Zainal Ali, Agustin Contratti and Aporosa Yada also found the net.
The semi-final against NZ Ba proved considerably more challenging. NZ Nadi had to overcome a determined opponent in a dramatic 3-2 victory after extra time, with Krishna playing a decisive role.
After Salem Almardy opened the scoring for NZ Ba in the 40th minute, Krishna equalised from the penalty spot five minutes into the second half. The Fiji international struck again in the 55th minute to put NZ Nadi ahead, completing his brace within five minutes.
George Cooper restored parity for NZ Ba on the hour mark, but Andrew Naicker scored the winning goal in the 67th minute, sending NZ Nadi into the final.
The title decider against NZ Rewa was another closely contested encounter. Krishna started the match wearing the number 21 shirt, alongside players including Eber Ramirez, Hector Echague and Samuela Kautoga.
Agustin Contratti scored the only goal of the final in the 50th minute, securing a 1-0 victory and confirming NZ Nadi as champions for the 14th time.
For Krishna, the achievement represents another successful appearance in the football competitions organised within New Zealand’s Fijian community. Despite establishing himself as one of the most recognisable footballers in Oceania, the Fiji captain continues to maintain a connection with the community football scene.
His three goals in the knockout rounds were particularly significant, with his semi-final brace helping NZ Nadi overcome one of their toughest challenges on the way to the championship.
The New Zealand IDC is distinct from Fiji’s domestic Inter-District Championship, bringing together teams representing Fijian communities across New Zealand. The tournament remains an important sporting and cultural occasion for the country’s Fijian diaspora.
NZ Nadi’s latest triumph further strengthens their position among the competition’s most successful teams, while Krishna adds another championship to an already distinguished football career.
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