Nadi 3 Ruled Out
The Nadi football team will be without three of their key players in tomorrow’s Vodafone Fiji FACT semifinal clash against Labasa at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
They are tournament top goal scorer Rusiate Matirerega, Napolioni Qasevakatini and Afraz Ali who had copped two yellow cards each during the pool eliminations at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, last weekend.
This was confirmed yesterday by Fiji Football Association after Nadi Football Association had requested if the players could be excused since they could not adapt to the wet ground conditions.
In an earlier interview this week, Nadi FA president, Javed Ahmed said playing Labasa would be tough and they are hoping to have a full strength team ready.
He added that the players are eager to take on the next challenge as their confidence level has gone up.
“The pressure situation we faced last week saw that fighting spirit come out of the boys and we are going to keep that as we prepare for Labasa.”
Meanwhile, the Labasa football side are leaving for Lautoka today.
Labasa Football Association secretary Varun Anand said they are hopeful that their four injured players recover in time
The Babasiga Lions who are training under coach Anand Sami are having difficulty in holding a full training session together because of the bad weather conditions.
“We are requesting our fans in Viti Levu if they could sacrifice their time by coming over to cheer us on in Lautoka.
“We need their support as Nadi is a good side and will surely come prepared,” Anand added.
The match kicks-off at 12.30pm.
Rodu: Tight defence to shut down Blues
The Rewa football team are planning to shut out striker Benjamin Totori in tomorrow’s Vodafone Fiji FACT semifinal match at Churchill Park.
With veteran striker Osea Vakatalesau ruled out, Rewa coach Marika Rodu says, Totori is going to be Lautoka’s weapon.
“So we’re working hard to ensure that we’ve a good defensive structure in place,” he said.
Boosting Rewa’s chance is the return of reliable defender Josateki Tamudu along with veterans Peniame Drova, Epeli Saukuru and Taione Kerevanua.
These players missed the final pool match against Labasa as Rodu had to rest them for the semifinals since they have already qualified.
Lautoka coach Kamal Swamy said, they are positive of a good outcome against the defending Fiji FACT champions.
The clash gets underway at 2.30pm.
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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