New IDC winner
ISA, on Thursday the Blues decided to play rugby against Tavua scoring one converted try (7 points) while Tavua bagged a penalty (3 points). However, this tactic failed to ignite hopes of the defending champs to make the semis as the Babasiga Lions roared at Prince Charles Park as Tuivuna’s rocket bombed past Ba goalie Atu Naucukidi to send Lions fans into a frenzy.
On the other hand, the Men in Black missed the services of rugged striker Sanaila Waqanicakau but proved that they will be tough customers in the semis against Suva.
The first semi sees Labasa playing Nadi while Ba’s loss means that they will face Suva and the Lions should not be carried away with the fact that they are the only unbeaten side heading to the semis.
Backed by patriotic fans, Nadi will play with momentum and try to disrupt the Lions stylish play.
Suva bounced back from the loss to Nadi to slaughter Nasinu and dump neighbours Rewa out of the IDC.
I’m banking on the Lions to beat Nadi just as they did in 2016 at the national stadium via Edwin Sahayam’s strike and then the northern bullets hit the mark as they hammered Ba (2-1) in the final.
On the other hand, Praneel Naidu is a lucky player as he has won the IDC with all the teams that he featured for including Ba in 2015 (when the giants beat Nadi 2-0 in the final), Labasa in 2016 and Lautoka in 2017 and last year.
In 2017 Lautoka won the IDC defeating Ba (5-4) on penalty kicks as replacement goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini proved to be the hero for Lautoka as he saved penalties from Meli Codro and Malakai Rakula.
Last year Para featured prominently as Lautoka beat Suva (1-0) with a classic goal by Samuela Nabenia. Ironically, this year Para is donning the black jumper so fans will be eager to see if the trend continues. In the senior division semis Lami will face Navua while Nadroga will battle Savusavu.
I am predicting a Navua vs Nadroga final and Ba vs Labasa final.
All the best to the Lions and I’m sure they will leave no stone unturned in their bid to repeat the heroics from the Inkk BOG on western soil.
Play with pride boys! As I conclude, I wish the voice of soccer Raymond Stoddart all the best as he prepares to add mirch masala to his commentaries that make him our number one commentator! Red fire!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu