IDC in the bag
THE picture of an emotional Dennis Ifunaoa being carried by a Labasa fan in yesterday’s The Fiji Times was a hit as emotions were high after the IDC win. Labasa fans showed why they are the best as they painted Prince Charles Park red.
The amount of noise made and the vibration coming from the musical instruments made the players and fans feel they were at the iconic Subrail Park. The Lions created history by winning back-to-back soccer tournaments on Western soil. They won the Inkk BOG at Churchill Park defeating the hosts (1-0) and the victory tasted better as the Lions beat the Nadi (5-0) in the semis. Labasa no doubt was the best team and as soccer pundits say, the best team wins.
I compliment the team president Mr Rayaz, who is soft-spoken and prefers not to be in the limelight, for building a solid team. It’s not easy to run a team and Rayaz knows the sacrifices he makes as the captain of the boat. I thank the coach master Ronil Lal for guiding the Lions to two tournament wins.
I accord a big vinaka vakalevu to the team manager Nilesh Lal for his leadership in looking after the boys in camp. I salute the sponsor Suntek Fiji Ltd for coming out to assist the Lions.
Hearty thanks to all the officials and sponsors and the biggest applause to the players — Akuila, Dan, Lino, Lekima, Akeimi, Ravi, Raju, Lolaivalu, Siti, Logaivou, Dennis, Melvin, Nayasi, Inia, Kubu, Qase, Bimal, Jacob, Kirtesh, Nemani, Asaeli, and the player of the tournament Tuivuna.
Finally, I acknowledge the support of the travelling Labasa fans for their voice made that difference. Labasa’s win is historic and memorable and I urge the fans to savour this moment and learn to stand by the team during the rainy days.
As I conclude, congratulations Babasiga Lions and thank you so much for doing the North proud!
To The Fiji Times thank you for all the coverage and the colourful picture of the winning team in Goal Fiji!
To Raymond Stoddart, thank you for the live commentaries! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu