Goalkeeper: We've learned from our losses

The Labasa football teamis on a mission to right their mistakes and win next month's Extra Battle of the Gi­ants (B.O.G.) tournament at Go­vind Park, Ba.

The tournament's group match­es will be from September 4-6, while the finals will be played on September 12-13.

Veteran Labasa goalkeeper Si­mione Tamanisau told SUNsports that their preparation has been going smoothly.

"We just fell short in the league, and the morale was a bit down when we lost to Ba," he said.

"I guess that will be the moti­vating factor for the team when we prepare for the B.O.G tourna­ment."

Labasa will face Suva, Nasinu and Fiji FACT finalists Navua in Group A.

"People may say it's an easy pool, but every team comes in prepared for all the tournaments," Tamani­sau said.

"We will come in and play each game as a final, as the teams in our group are giant killers and they really perform above expec­tations when it comes to big tour­naments."

Tamanisau added that Ba would be the team to beat in the B.O.G. tournament.

"They got everything and they also got their crowd supporting them on the road as well," he said.

"It will be a good tournament, and we respect them (Ba) because they are a champion side."

The Labasa team has learned from their loss in the Fiji FACT tournament and will look to fin­ish strong in the B.O.G. tourna­ment.

"I think our coaching depart­ment is looking at all aspects of our weaknesses, so we are pre­pared to give a good run in the tournament," Tamanisau said.

"Our weaknesses during the league and Fiji FACT were our de­fense and not capitalising on our scoring opportunities."

Tamanisau was grateful for the support they received from their fans during the season.

"They are our 12th player on the field, and we ask our fans to turn up in numbers and support the Labasa team in the B.O.G. tourna­ment," he said.

"We just have to learn from our mistakes, and we do hope that we put up a good fight against every team we play against."

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj