“We are trying to iron out our mistakes in front of the goal and score many goals,” he said.
Fiji Under-19 and Labasa striker Eparama Moraica is a definite starter at next
weekend’s Battle of the Giants tournament. Photo: OFC Media
The Extra Supermarket Labasa football side aims to avenge their Digicel Fiji FACT semi-final loss to Lautoka.
They’ll meet again in the Group B match of the Rooster Chicken/ Scoops Ice Cream Battle of the Giants tournament at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, next weekend.
Labasa coach Ravneel Pratap said despite being the defending B.O.G champions, Lautoka would be the tournament favourites.
“On the national league points table standing we’re second, which is good as we’ve reached the business end of the Fiji Football Association tournament cycle.
The Babasiga Lions are in Group B where they face Nadi, Lautoka and Navua.
“It’s a tough group,” Pratap added.
He said they would take each game at a time and would map out a plan to counter three contrasting teams with different game patterns.
Pratap said they would take the underdog tag against favourites Lautoka.
During their Fiji FACT defeat to Lautoka at home, Pratap was emotional as he believed they could not live up to the high expectations of their fans.
He said despite scoring four goals in the last two national league games, goal scoring remains a work in progress.
“We are trying to iron out our mistakes in front of the goal and score many goals,” he said.
The inclusion of Solomon Islands players like Junior Fordney and Tigi Molea have been a boost to the side.
Pratap said these players had added more attacking options to pressure their opponents.
He applauded the work rate of goalkeeper, Jitoko Vulava, who played a stellar game and kept a clean sheet against Suva in their last national league match.
Pratap said it was good to note that striker, Christopher Wasasala has returned to his goal scoring form after netting two goals against Nadroga and Suva.
“We have to score more goals in a tournament environment after our dismal two goals showing in the FACT tournament,” he said.
Rising young striker, Eparama Moraica, is expected to join the side after his stint with the Fiji Under-19 team at the recent OFC U19 Championship.
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