Anand: Reddy to coach Labasa
The Labasa Football Association has confirmed that Bal Sanju Reddy will continue coaching the Babasiga Lions this season.
Reddy, a primary school teacher by profession stepped in as an interim coach to lead Labasa to their Pillay’s Garment Champion verses Champion series win against Lautoka last Friday. Labasa FA secretary Varun Anand said yesterday they’re thankful to Reddy and the players for their commitment.
“I could still remember when I approached former coaches to assist Labasa, many underestimated the players and rejected my offer,” Anand said. “When I approached Reddy he didn’t hesitate and immediately after New Year he sacrificed his family time to assist the team.
“I was happy to see players working together with Reddy who had been their coach before. Labasa has always produced many good players and also recorded great results as well.
“As for our second match with Lautoka the team travelled last Thursday from Labasa to Suva and had a training run at the Fiji FA Academy ground in Vatuwaqa.
“Straight after their training they travelled to Nadi for an overnight stay.
“Friday was a rest day till game time at 7pm. A short travel from Nadi to Lautoka for the game and winning the CvC was a massive delight for the team and management. “The team from the onset was determined even after the exhausting amount of travelling. Straight after the game the team bus departed for Natovi to wait for the 6am bpat trip to Nabouwalu. “The team after an exhausting number of travelling hours reached Labasa at 2pm. “Why I’m providing these details is because I want to tell the fans to be with the team.”
Anand said, sometimes it’s discouraging to see fans criticise the team on social media and yet are unaware of the financial constraints or struggles the management or players face to help do the district proud.