Yalalevu wary of semi-final opponents
DEFENDING champion Yalalevu FC (YFC) has opted for the underdog tag for the Vodafone National Regional Club Championship semi-final against Greenstars FC at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka tomorrow.
The Dayals Steels PTE Ltd sponsored YFC team from Ba is on track to make it back to back NCC titles having won it on their first attempt in 2018. The NCC was cancelled in 2019.
YFC coach Marshal Ali said they were looking forward to the semi-final.
He said they received tremendous support from the Yalalevu community and our sponsor Pranesh Dayal.
“Our club was revived in 2018 with a new set officials,” Ali said.
“The club went on to become the runner-up in the Ba Football Association local league competition. We defied all odds to win the NCC title. This was a big achievement for the club.”
In 2018 YFC defeated fellow club Nailaga 1-0 in the final with veteran Malakai Tiwa scoring the lone goal on the stroke of half-time.
“We are going in as the underdogs because we will be playing against the hosts,” Ali said.
“Basically we have to be more focused because the opposition plays on the backing of their fans.
“Whenever Greenstars play they have a lot of fans especially when they are playing at home. They are laced with young and unknown talents.
“But the best thing for all teams is that they have been given about five days to prepare for the semi-finals and final.
“For the regional playoffs last week we were a bit rusty for the first game. But then the boys picked up after that.”
YFC will face Greenstars at 4pm while Kasavu FC play Nalovo at 2pm. The final will be played at 3pm on Sunday.