Labasa out to claim cup

LABASA has proved they are the tournament team and will be out to prove it at this year’s All in One Cakes & Restaurant Pacific Community Cup at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.

They always play with 12 players as their fans are always behind them and for sure the 2022 All in One Cakes & Restaurant Pacific Community Cup in Viti Levu which is the second home of Labasa, fans will be out in numbers to back them.

While the Babasiga Lions are drawn in a tough pool with defending champions Design Engineering/ All in One Builders Lautoka FC, Digicel Fiji FACT, and COURTS IDC champion Suva FC and NZFFI All Stars but they have a set of players that can easily click, win matches and see the team progress to the semi-finals from Group B.

The side is laced with capable players like veteran goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau, defenders Taniela Waqa, Iliesa Lino, Ilisoni Lolaivalu, Lekima Gonerau, Sitiveni Rakai, Akeimi Ralulu Sekove Naivakanainumi, midfielders, Ashneel Raju, France Catarogo, and strikers Ratu Apenisa Anare and Christopher Wasasala.

The Babasiga Lions will also have the services of New Zealand-based Samuela Kautoga and James Hoyt in their line-up.

Labasa has a good chance to progress to the semifinals but it will depend on how the players and coaching panel execute their game plan, follow instructions and utilize their scoring opportunities on the field.

Fitness, dedication, discipline, and commitment will be the key determining factors in the most prestigious tournament of the year for Labasa.

The Labasa side will open its campaign against Suva on Thursday, November 24 at 5.15pm, taking on Lautoka on Friday at 7.15pm before facing traditional NZFFI All-Stars in its final pool match on Saturday at 6.15pm. ■ wanted to appreciate these kids for always supporting rugby in any way possible. I would like to also acknowledge the teachers, parents and all those who are involved in taking care of the people with special abilities not only in Fiji but throughout the globe.”