The return of six Labasa players who were in camp with the Vodafone national football team has boosted their preparation for Saturday’s Vodafone Premier League 2017 opening clash against Lautoka.

The Babasiga Lions are hoping of a positive start to the season by going for a win in front of their home crowd at Subrail Park, Labasa.

Labasa Football Association vice- president, Varun Anand said yesterday they have welcomed the return of striker Apenisa Anare, Remueru Tekiata, Edwin Sahayam, Gabriel Matanisiga, Akemi Ralulu and Akuila Mateisuva.

“These players have joined the rest of the players who have been training for more than a week,” Anand said.

“Training is on track as last weekend we had a friendly match with our neighbour Dreketi and we have managed to modify areas that needed immediate changes.”

When approached Labasa football coach Ronil Chand said one of the difficulties they are currently facing is the weather condition, which has affected their training.

“However, players have been motivated to brave through the rain as we might face similar weather condition during our match with Lautoka,” Chand said.

“As for our game plan, like always we will take one game at a time. But our aim however, is to qualify for the O-League.

“Labasa have always produced talented players who have shown their wonderful skills through their participation with the Babasiga Lions team over the years.

“We are confident that this year the team we will live up to the expectations of our fans and will not return from this League competition empty-handed.”

“Our team have secured a sponsor and they will be known as Advanced Parts and Spares Limited Labasa.

“Since this will be the opening match of the season, I would like to urge our supporters to stand for their team and provide all the moral support that they can,” he added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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