No change in venue as Suva, Labasa, Lautoka and Rewa eye B.O.G title

Suva, Rewa, Lautoka and Labasa emerged as top giants after qualifying for the semi-finals of the Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants tournament following the last round of pool play yesterday.

In the first semi-final, Group A winner Suva take on Group B runners-up Labasa at 2pm while in the second semi-final Group B winner Lautoka face Group A runners-up and defending champions Rewa at 4pm at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori on Saturday.

The final is on Sunday at 3pm also at the same venue.

Perhaps out of the four semi-finalists, Lautoka are on a mission having not won the tournament since 1985.

The Blues are vociferously going to the semi-final at the back of three successive pool wins to top Group B with nine points.

Lautoka coach Aginesh Prasad said they have only one aim and that is to win the tournament.

The Blues will rely upon experienced campaigners Peni Finau, Jone Vono, Ilaitia Tuilau Kavaia Rawaqa, stylish striker Valerio Nawatu and Josefata Dugucagi to win the tournament.

However, the Blues have to pass their first hurdle against defending champions Rewa with a bolstering star-studded line-up of goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau, striker Iosefo Verevou and Tevita Waranivalu who are in top form after playing in the Rio Olympic Games.

Labasa are another top side to beat after they humiliated 4R Electrical Ba 4-0 in the final pool match.  Ba needed a win while Labasa only had to settle for a draw to qualify but the roaring Lions did it perfectly as two quick goals in the first half by Gabrieli Matanisiga and Ravinesh Singh sealed Ba’s fate as they virtually surrendered in the end.

A jubilant Labasa Football president Rayaz Khan said they are optimistic of their chances.

“It was a good win against Ba and we are focussing on our next opponent,” he said.

“We are not taking our opponent lightly and we also want to win the tournament too.”

The Gurjit Singh coached-Suva last won the tournament in 1995 and like Rewa will reply on their Olympians reps as well.

The Whites have stylish striker Setareki Hughes, Nickel Chand and reliable defender Filipe Baravilala.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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