When the Lions roar
THE song jag lal lal dikhe hai mujhko was echoed over radio stations last Sunday night as Labasa fans lit fireworks and beat musical instruments to celebrate the Babasiga Lions’ epic IDC win at a wet Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
The boots of striker Dennis Ifunaoa proved the difference as his thunderous strike caught Suva goalkeeper Emori Ragata napping and sent the huge Labasa crowd into a frenzy.
Hence, the only unbeaten team in the tournament was going to lift the Lloyd Farebrother Trophy for the first time on western soil.
Ironically, the Babasiga Lions won the Inkk Mobile BOG title at Churchill Park defeating Lautoka (1-0) with Siotame Kubu proving the hero.
The Lions started the IDC tournament on a high note leading Lautoka (1-0) late into the match but Totori equalised.
On day two under scorching heat, Tavua looked to have upset the Lions but the boots of Ifunaoa and Tuivuna rescued the Lions and looked to have sent them to the semis.
On day three Labasa proved too strong for Ba and defeated Fiji’s VPL champion (1-0) through Tuivuna’s goal that stunned Ba goalie Atunaisa.
In the semis Labasa humiliated a depleted Nadi side thrashing the hosts (5-0).
Before the final there were showers of blessings.
The rain has been a good omen for the northern bullets and the travelling fans screamed their hearts out as Labasa dominated play but failed to score.
Players such as Mateisuva, Lino, Rakai, Logaivou, Kubu, Raju, Lekima, Akeimi, Ravi Karan, Tuivuna and Dan took on the Whites with big names such as Tamanisau, Boso, Nickel, Gagame Feni, Ruben, Verevou, Nalaubu, Wasasala, Navunigasau, Baravilala and Raura.
In the first spell of extra time Dennis sank Suva hearts as he scored and the Lions never looked back as they continued the momentum and contained Suva’s onslaught.
On the other hand, the coaching battle was between Master Ronil Lal, who had proved himself as the Lions lucky charm, while Master Kamal Swamy was at the helm of the Whites.
Swamy scratched his head in vain as the Lions inflicted pain and misery on his coaching career with the winless Suva outfit.
The Labasa fans made plenty noise as Tuivuna (player of the tournament) and Melvin (new find of the tournament) were awarded prizes alongside the victorious Labasa team.
The sound from the hudda and tasa sounded pleasing to the ear as Labasians danced to the beat of the music.
In addition, songs were immediately composed by the likes of Nitin Nilesh, Kunal Sami and Rupendra Prasad Sony.
Such crazy fans- only from Labasa reh!
This year’s IDC win ignited memories of the 2016, 2011, 1994 and 1992 IDC wins and I wish to take Labasa fans down memory lane to our four previous victories.
Labasa’s first IDC win was in 1992 at Ratu Cakobau Park.
Before the IDC weekend the weather in the Central Division was identified as a setback as the Nadi Weather Office had reported a gloomy outlook of continued rain for Nausori, Suva and Navua.
Eyes were on the Anand Sami-coached Labasa team, which was steered by president Peter Nand.
The Lions had star players such as Petero Namoce, Hendry Francis, Taniela Tuilevuka, Jope Lomu, Nete Francis, Ramendra Dutt, Epeli Levaci, Buli Cama, Tevita Tukania, Simon Peters (late), Sakiusa Narara, Solomone Catarogo, Sirino Logaivou and Waisale Rasoki.
Fiji FA decided to go ahead with the 54th IDC tournament despite Ratu Cakobau Park being waterlogged.
The tournament was officially opened by the then Prime Ministere, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara (late).
About 8000 fans braved wet conditions as Ba beat Lautoka (2-0) while Suva and Tavua and Rewa and Nasinu drew (0-0).
The Lions sizzled past Tavua (2-1).
On the other hand, power failure had forced the abandonment of the IDC and this disappointed the Labasa fans as the Lions led Lautoka (4-0).
Other notable actions included Ba’s (2-0) win over Nadi, Nasinu’s (1-0) win over Navua and Tavua’s (10) upset win over Lautoka. Labasa dumped Lautoka (2-0) while Suva and Rewa played to a goalless draw.
■ Continues tomorrow
■ Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam is a regular contributor to this newspaper and the views expressed in this article are his and not of