Back in action
Labasa’s Siotame Kubu and Ashnil Raju during a training session at Subrail Park in Labasa yesterday. Picture: FIJI FA MEDIA n FIJI FA MEDIA
AFTER a successful outing at the 2020 Courts InterDistrict Championship a fortnight ago the eight premier teams will once again be back in action for the 2020 Vodafone Premier League this weekend.
The Round 12 of the VPL this weekend is expected to be thrilling and exciting as it gets closer to completion.
Fiji FA competitions manager Amitesh Pal says thrilling football will be witnessed in the coming rounds as some teams will battle for the title and some to avoid relegation.
“As for now nothing could be said as all teams were evenly competitive and would be coming out more prepared in their remaining three matches,” Pal said.
“The competition resumes this weekend and sees a repeat of the 2020 Courts IDC final with Labasa hosting Lautoka at 1.30pm at Subrail Park, Labasa on Saturday.
“The Labasa vs Lautoka match will be very interesting as both team will want. Lautoka will be aiming to avenge their 2-1 loss in the final of the Courts IDC while Labasa will play for the fans who could not watch the final in Suva.”
Labasa is currently on sixth position with 13 points after four wins, a draw and six losses this season while Lautoka is on fifth place with 13 points but better goal advantage after three wins, four draws and four losses.
Pal said the three matches on Sunday would be very exciting.
“Fireworks are expected to explode this weekend as three points will be vital for every team,” he said.
“Suva who are second on the points table with 22 points will want to beat Nasinu to be in race of winning the title this year while Nasinu who are on seventh position will go for a win as well to avoid relegation.”
The Suva vs Nasinu match will be played at ANZ Stadium in Suva on Sunday at 3pm.
“Ba and Nadi are both in the race to finish top and their clash will be very exhilarating as well. Ba is on third spot with 20 points after six wins, three draws and six losses while Nadi is behind them with 18 points after six wins and five losses,” he said.
“A win for either of the two teams will put them in contention for the title.”
The Ba vs Nadi match will be played at Fiji FA Academy Ground in Ba on Saturday at 3pm.
Pal said it would be a do-or die for both Rewa and Navua in the weekend.
“Rewa will aim for a win to keep its hope alive to win the league title for the first time while Navua will be out to avoid relegation,” said Pal.
“A three points is vital for both teams as Rewa is on top of the VPL points table with 23 points while Navua is on the bottom with seven points.”
The Rewa vs Navua match will be staged at the Uprising Sports Center in Pacific Harbour this Sunday at 3pm.
In the second last round of matches will see Nadi host Labasa, Nasinu to play Ba, Rewa to meet Suva while Navua will travel to Lautoka.