Rodu’s Tactical Change Did The Trick

The road ahead is not easy for any team, warns Rewa football head coach Marika Rodu.
Rewa was taken to the wire by a gutsy Tailevu/Naitasiri side before registering a 2-1 win in their Digicel Premier League clash. The win at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori yesterday has pushed the Delta Tigers to the top of the points table.
Speaking to SUNsports head coach Rodu said all teams are improving in the competition.
“This win is important for this week and the reminder of the DPL competition,” he said.
“As the competition continues to grow the level of competition increases.
“Tailevu/Naitasiri held us very well during the game and we can’t underestimate any team in the competition because all teams are well prepared.
“We need to manage the game well and the boys didn’t utilise their opportunities well but they came out a better team in the second half.”
Rodu said they would work on their strikers this week.
“The weather is not an excuse and we had to adapt to the conditions but we did that very late.”
After a scoreless first half Rodu made a tactical change in bringing in Samuela Nabenia to pressure the Tailevu/Naitasiri defenders.
This paid dividend when midfielder Josaia Sela slammed in Rewa’s opening goal in the 60th minute.
Tailevu/Naitasiri levelled the scores in the 70th minute when Mohammed Nigel scored from the penalty spot.
But it was Rewa who struck back towards the end of the match when Nabenia was fouled in the box and Kavaia Rawaqa was on target from the penalty spot.
Other results: Fiji Women 4-1 Cook Islands, Labasa v Suva clash cancelled, Lautoka 3-1 Nadroga.
Feedbacks: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj