VODAFONE FIJI FACT
BABASIGA LIONS TO MISS 6 KEY PLAYERS IN REWA CLASH
Galaxy Hotel & Apartments, Dalip Chand & Son Ltd and Powerwise Electrical Limited New Zealand sponsored-Labasa will miss six key players in their Vodafone Fiji FACT tournament opener against Rewa, tomorrow. This was confirmed yesterday by Labasa Football Association secretary Varun Anand.
“These players are members of the Fiji Police Force and are now camping for the Ratu Sukuna Bowl challenge,” Anand said.
The players Lino Iliesa, Ilisoni Lolaivalu, Stiveni Rakai, Apenisa Anare, Vikranth Chandra and Ilaisa Nayasi.
Anand said there was a possibility that these players would not play for the whole tournament.
“The management is not sure whether they will be released or not,” he said.
“This will definitely have an impact on the team but we have our youth players who could seize the opportunity to prove themselves.” On the brighter note, midfielder Ashnil Raju will play against Rewa tomorrow but will not play next weekend because of his wedding. “Raju’s absence won’t bring much impact to the team since we have many skilled players,” Anand said. Young Melvin Mani is likely to replace him.
The Labasa football team have won the Fiji ACT tournament twice on their home ground. Anand said Labasa last won the Fiji FACT tournament in 2015.
TIMELY REMINDER
Meanwhile, the Suva Football Association hosted its players and officials to a cocktail party for winning the Vodafone Premier League title on Wednesday night.
The team were also reminded of the task ahead and that is to win the Vodafone Fiji FACT.
Suva’s campaign starts tomorrow in their group opener against Navua at the ANZ Stadium.
Suva coach Babs Khan said they have several key players who are in doubt because of work commitment.
The Vinz Work sponsored-side ended their six- year drought after winning the VPL.
They are going to rely on players like Sairusi Nalaubu, Christopher Wasasala, Beniamino Mateinaqara, Meli Codro, Remueru Tekiata, Laisenia Raura, Iosefo Verevouo, Joeli Ranitu, Simione Nabenu and Ravinesh Karan Singh who has been playing well at midfield.