LAJONIA CROWNED SANATAN CHAMPS
After 6 years of waiting the Lajonia Sanatan football team finally hoisted the Carpenters Finance Labasa tournament title at Subrail Park, Labasa on Sunday night.
This was after they beat Bulileka Sanatan side 5-4 on penalty kicks as they were locked at 0-0 right on fulltime and played two extra spells. UNITY A jubilant Lajonia Sanatan coach Mohammed Waseen told SUNsports he was proud of the team and what they have achieved.
“Being a Muslim and coaching a Sanatan team of my area for the first time was an honour,” the former Labasa rep said.
“I dedicate this win to all the players and their families for their dedication and support. We were not confident of winning the tournament as first because we were aware of the strong competition that exist but we took each game at a time, build on our strength and we became confident.” Waseem said the unity among the players was their driving force.
THIRD TIME UNLUCKY
Bulileka Sanatan team manager Sumal Kumar said it was unfortunate that they lost.
“We are the most consistent team. I’m saying this because we’ve reached the final for the past three years in a row.
“Definitely we will return next year and go for a win.” GETTING BETTER Tournament chairman Mor Singh thanked the 49 teams that participated in the tournament.
“This is my eighth tournament as a chairman and I can say this was the most successful one,” he added.
LIST OF WINNERS Winners: Lajonia Sanatan
Runners- Up: Bulileka Sanatan
Best Player of the Tournament: Vikrant Chandra (Naleba Sanatan) Best Manager: Umesh Chand (Lajonia Sanatan)
Best Coach: Shamal Kumar (Bulileka Sanatan), Mohammed Waseem (Lajonia Sanatan)
Golden Glove: Shamal Kumar (Bulileka Sanatan)
Golden Boot: Ashneel Sami (Vunika Sanatan)
This was after they beat Bulileka 5-4 on penalty kicks as they were locked 0-0 at fulltime.