BATTLE OF THE GIANTS
SPONSORSHIP BOOSTS DELTA TIGERS CAMPAIGN
Rewa Football Association president, Nazeel Buksh, is anticipating that the Punjas Battle of the Giants (B.O.G) tournament will be a good test for them. The Delta Tigers have been in top form during the first round of the Vodafone Premier League, where they are leading the points table. Buksh said they hope to continue that success into the B.O.G, as Rewa have won the most B.O.G titles for the past 10 years.
“We have been preparing very well, we have been doing well in the VPL but for me B.O.G would be a preparation for the rest of our VPL season,” he said.
“The B.O.G has been Rewa’s favourite tournament in the last 10 years, I guess.
“We have won the most B.O.G tournaments in the last 10 years and we hope to continue that.
“It would be a testing ground for us, in where we actually finish off the national league season.”
Seeing that the VPL games created upsets for most teams, Buksh says, they will not take any team lightly. “It was a very competitive one, we have seen teams like Navua and Nasinu upsetting bigger teams.
‘“I guess we were just lucky to get through all of them.”
There have been interests in terms of sponsorship for Rewa after talks that they would go to the B.O.G without one.
Big support
Buksh has acknowledged business houses and fans who have stepped in.
He said the Rewa players were fortunate to be sponsored with boots and soccer balls from Rakz Rentals of Nausori.
“Discussions are underway for those who want to sponsor us, we have got a few business people and Rewa fans living overseas. They have been enquiring and trying to come onboard,” Buksh said.
“We are still working on that, we glad we have secured our boot sponsor.
“We can’t force anyone right now, given the economic situation and the pandemic, but even in these trying times people have come onboard, and fans are behind the team.”
Rakz Rentals co – owner Raymond Rakz said he was grateful to be one of the minor sponsors.
They had donated boots which cost over $3000.
“We are really a die-hard fan of Rewa and were really interested in sponsoring them,” Rakz said.
“We are privileged to be their sponsors and we wish them all the best in the B.O.G.
“The boys are gaining success in the league, if they continue to do well then we will look into sponsoring them in the future as well,” Rakz added.
Rewa captain, Setareki Hughes said they prefer to head into tournament with a low profile.
“Even though we are leading the VPL points table we prefer to be the underdogs.
“Rewa has done wonders in the past years, but for this year’s B.O.G we will take each game at a time. “Well the first game will be tough for us, against the home team, Lautoka.
“We will take it seriously and try to win that three points,” Hughes added.
Rewa will face hosts Lautoka on Friday at 6.30pm.