Tailevu/Naitasiri targets Navua win

Tailevu/Naitasiri FC is treating Saturday’s Extra Premier League Round 16 clash against Prithvi Navua as a must-win encounter as the battle to avoid relegation intensifies.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, head coach Shabneel Prasad said every remaining match is crucial, with no team wanting to drop to the Senior Division.

“For Round 16, we are playing against Navua and we know they are a formidable side. They reached the semi-finals of the Fiji FACT, and we watched them against Labasa last weekend,” Prasad said.

“We are preparing well for them. Although we will be missing two players, we have capable replacements to fill those positions.”

Prasad said his side has approached every game with the same level of intensity as they fight to secure their place in the top division.

“No team wants to be relegated. We are taking every match seriously and preparing specific game plans for each opponent.”

“One of our main focus areas is central midfield because Navua has experienced players there. We have been scoring goals, but we also want to improve our finishing in the attacking third.”

“I ask our fans to come and support us. Your encouragement is very important to the players, and we need you to be our 12th man on the field.”

Saturday’s headline fixture sees league leaders Dayal’s Sawmillers Ba hosingt second-placed Extra Supermarket Labasa FC at Subrail Park in a top-of-the-table showdown. Nasinu FC will also face Nadi FC at Uprising Sports Ground.

Sunday’s action features a double-header at Churchill Park, where defending champions Stratum Rewa FC take on Global Care Suva FC at 1pm before Lautoka FC meets Coastal Rental Cars/MMM Brothers Nadroga FC at 3pm.

The final Round 16 fixture will see Tailevu Naitasiri host Prithvi Navua at Uprising Sports Ground in a crucial relegation battle at 1pm.