Players To Watch In FACT Final
A thriller looms in tomorrow’s Vodafone Fiji FACT final between hosts Rewa and Labasa. What has created a lot of interest was their final pool match where the Northerners thrashed Rewa 4-0 in front of their diehard fans at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori. This has been a bitter pill for the Delta Tigers to shallow.
A lot of excuses were made since they were embarrassed by the big loss. It really hurt their pride. This was evident as soon as they beat Lautoka 1-0 in the semifinal, Rewa coach Marika Rodu immediately shot out a warning that in the final it is going to be ‘a different story altogether.’
-
- Labasa striker Christopher Wasasala (right) on attack while defender Sekove Naivakananumi of Jack’s Nadi closes in during the Vodafone Fiji FACT tournament semifinal at Churchill Park, Lautoka on June 3, 2018. Labasa won 2-0. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
On what will transpire at Nausori tomorrow is going to be anybody’s guess but however let’s take a look at five players that we should keep an eye on as they could make a difference in determining the final outcome.
- BENITO WAQAVOU (REWA- Goalkeeper)
He stepped in at the right time. Rewa had been looking for a reliable goalkeeper to take over from veteran Simione Tamanisau who had left for Suva. Playing in his first Vodafone Fiji FACT tournament, the 23-year-old is confident of a good outing,
However, playing in the final with all the pressure that comes with it, is going to be a different thing altogether. Whether Benito can stand up to the challenge or not only time will tell.
- CHRISTOPHER WASASALA (LABASA- Striker)
Chris has had a quiet tournament. So far, he scored only one goal which is very unlike of him. This time his team-mates are counting on him to deliver and how he deals with it is anybody’s guess.
- SETAREKI HUGHES (REWA- Striker)
He was the goal scoring hero in the semifinal win over Lautoka. The stylish striker who hails from Bua is on song and will definitely shoulder the hopes of the Rewa fans when he plays in the final.
- EDWIN SAHAYAM (LABASA- Midfielder)
Could he be again Labasa’s lucky charm? Sahayam in the past has scored crucial goals for the Babasiga Lions which saw them won several tournaments. He did it during the Vodafone Fiji FACT pool game against Ba and with his goal scoring boots on, nothing is impossible
- IOSEFO VEREVOU (Rewa- Striker)
Like Chris, he has been out of form. Iosefo has failed to make his mark during the tournament and Rewa officials are keeping their fingers crossed that he is able to find his form of old in the final. And if he does then the Labasa defenders are in for a tough, tough time.
Edited by Osea Bola
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
