Deadly strikers ‘under scrutiny’

Deadly Khelvin Civil Engineering Lautoka strikers Rusiate Matererega and Apisalome Ravouvou will be the target of the IRA Group Navua defenders in Saturday’s BiC Fiji FACT semifinal at Subrail Park, Labasa.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Navua head coach Rodicks Singh said they are wary of them since they have been scoring goals during the group matches last weekend.

Lautoka was the only team to have won all their group matches against Nasinu, Ba and Nadroga.

“I was keeping a close tab on how they (Lautoka) were playing in the group stages,” the wily coach said.

“Ravouvou and Matarerega contributed a lot towards Lautoka’s qualification. We need to keep a close eye on the two strikers who have created havoc for the opposing teams.”

Singh highlighted that they would resume with their preparations today after the team returned to Navua yesterday, where the players had to undergo a recovery phase.

“It’s all about recovery and making sure that all injured players are taken care of. We start preparations tomorrow (today) knowing that Navua is a good side and if we can better our performance from what we did during the group stages.”

Navua beat Glamada Suva 2-0 in their final group game to edge Stratum/Fortech Rewa on goal difference to finish second in Group A and qualify for the semifinal.

Singh said they have been inspired to lift their performance in the semifinal after surviving tough group matches against Rewa, Labasa and Suva.

“I would like to urge Navua fans to continue supporting the team through prayers. The team will definitely need our fans at Subrail Park,” he added.

The first semi-final sees defending FACT champions Extra Supermarket Labasa play Roylux Realty Ba at 2pm followed by the Navua, Lautoka showdown at 4.30pm.