Captain stays confident despite loss

Nasinu will need to win today’s match against Manasa Exports Nadroga, to have a chance of secure a spot in the BiC Fiji FACT semi-finals.

Nasinu captain Maikah Dau said yesterday they have left their 1-4 loss to Khelvin Civil Engineering Lautoka behind them and have shifted their focus to the next two group matches at Subrail Park, Labasa.

Dau told SUNsports that despite not securing any major sponsor coming into the tournament, it did not deter them.

“We only have two games left,” whatever mistakes we did which resulted in goals against us, we need to learn from that,” the Bula FC striker said.

“We will go back to camp. Discuss to make things better and come back stronger tomorrow today.”

Lautoka led, 3-0 at halftime with goals from Valeni Rasorewa in the 9th and 15th minute while Rusiate Matererega scored the third in the 31st minute.

Bruce Hughes scored Nasinu’s lone goal in the second half while Matererega scored in the 82nd minute.

Dau said they have a lot of work to do.

“I would say everything was good from the back; came in the middle third, and also the final third- we just need to finish our chances when we go in there.”

Asked if having no sponsors had any effect on their preparations, Dau said: “It was pretty hard to bring in things for the team like gears, but then we are fortunate to have t-shirts and whatever we have. We want to win so that we can get some major sponsors after this tournament.”

He said qualifying for the top four was the goal for Nasinu since they are returning to the tournament after three years.

“The boys just need a fighting mentality. I know that we could fight right to the last minute. The result of the game doesn’t matter but we should keep on pushing right to the last whistle.”

Meanwhile, the Lautoka coach, players and officials declined to comment after their win.