Heading into this weekend’s Digicel Fiji Fact tournament semi-finals at Subrail Park in Labasa, Ba, on historical form are the best favoured to win their ninth title.

The Western giants last won the title in 2010 and recent competition has prevented them from another tournament success.

They won inaugural title in 1991, then seven years later in 1998, they had a historical run of four successive tournament wins from 2004 until 2007 and shared title with Labasa in 1997.

Host, Labasa, the third most successful side in the tournament’s history, are second favourites to win their fifth title on home soil after 25 years.

The Babasiga Lions have tasted wins in 1992, 1999, 2015 and shared the title with Ba in 1997.

While defending champions, Flick Hygiene Lautoka, are third favourites after they broke their 21-year-old drought last year and aim to retain the title for the first time in the tournament’s history.

Lautoka have won the title three times in 2000, 2002 and 2023.

Oceania Fibreglass, Navua, who have been the tagged the underdogs of the tournament, also have lifted the title three times, with their last victory coming in 2009.

The last time the tournament was held in Labasa back in 2020, Suva clinched the title after beating Nadi 1-0.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj