We’re lucky: Swamy
Lautoka look at fielding overseas based- players in Friday’s return clash. Babasiga Lions coach is confident of winning CvC series title
The Lautoka football side hold the advantage of retaining the Pillay Garments Champion versus Champion (CvC) series after they held Labasa 0-0 at Subrail Park, yesterday. The Blues will now host the Babasiga Lions at Churchill Park on Friday in the return clash and are likely to field two of their overseas based players- striker Benjamin Totori and Zane Sole.
“We are still waiting for them,” Lautoka football coach Kamal Swamy said.
“As soon as they join the team we will see if they can blend in. If everything goes well then we will fill them in for the next match.” The no-nonsense coach said they were lucky to escape with a draw as the players faced a lot of problems because of the poor ground condition.
“The major concern was the poor and bumpy ground condition. When I saw that my players couldn’t control the flow of the ball, I realised the ground surface is uneven.
“I’m from Labasa and have played in this ground and strongly feel the Labasa Town Council needs to improve on it.” Swamy has called on fans to keep their faith on the team.
LIONS CONFIDENT
Labasa football coach Bal Sanju Reddy said he was proud of his players for playing their hearts out.
“We should have wrapped up the game in the first half but we missed five clear goals,” he said. “We had the upper hand but did not manage it well. The area of concern on our strike force as we missed many goal scoring opportunities. We need to work more on our fitness level.”
Reddy said they are confident of beating Lautoka on their home ground.
“I know it’s going to be tough but that’s our aim.”
He also thanked their fans for the support towards the team and believes it’s going to remain like this to the end of the season.
LINEUPS Labasa-
Akuila Mateisuva, Iliaisa Vulimainavuso, Sitiveni Rakai, Lekima Gonerau, Ashnil Raju, Anare Apenisa, Jale Dreloa, Ilisoni Logaivau, Atonio Tuivuna, Thomas Steiner, Taniela Waqa, Petero Tamaniabo, Ravikash Krishna, Mohammed Waseem, Pita Bolaitoga, Ilisoni Lolaivalu, Manasa Junior, Alvin Chand
Lautoka-
Beniamino Mateinaqara, Lino Iliesa, Zibraaz Sahib, Jone Vesikula, Dave Radrigai, Kavaia Rawaqa, Christopher Wasasala, Praneel Naidu, Samuela Drudru, Kolinio Sivoki, Sitoama Kubu, Senirusi Bokini, Mohammed Shazil, Leisari Qalica, Poasa Bainivalu, Peni Finau, Osea Vakatalesau