Anginesh Prasad, a respected local football coach known as AJ, has realized a heartfelt ambition of his late father-in-law by guiding the Labasa Football Association to victory in a recent tournament. Prasad joined the team’s coaching staff as a Technical Advisor during the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC), working alongside Coach Ravneel Pratap to lead the Babasiga Lions to a significant win against Navua at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
In an interview, Prasad expressed that the championship title was not just a professional win but a personal milestone dedicated to his late father-in-law, Kamla Prasad. He recalled how his father-in-law always encouraged him to help Labasa secure a tournament victory, a dream that unfortunately remained unfulfilled during his lifetime. When Labasa’s President, Rayaz, approached him to lend his expertise for the IDC, Prasad seized the opportunity without hesitation, emphasizing that the triumph was the result of collective hard work from the players and officials.
For Prasad, the victory holds immense emotional value as he believes his father-in-law would be proud and cheering for the team from above. He acknowledged the importance of winning the IDC to fulfill the expectations placed upon coaches, regardless of team affiliation. Gratitude was expressed to the players, officials, and fans for welcoming him into the fold and allowing him to contribute his coaching insights.
During the tournament, the strategy was straightforward, aiming to win their initial group matches, which they successfully achieved. In the knockout stages, they faced intense competition, especially against Navua in the finals, which culminated in a nail-biting penalty shootout. Prasad was proud that his team maintained focus and executed flawlessly under pressure.
Now that the goal has been accomplished, Prasad, who also holds a position as Operations Manager for P. Meghji Group of Companies in Lautoka, plans to take a short break to reflect on his next steps in football for the next season. He remains open to offering his coaching expertise to any team that might seek his help in the future.
This story is a poignant reminder of the powerful bond between family and sports, illustrating how personal passion can drive success. Anginesh Prasad’s journey not only honors his late father-in-law but also inspires many in the community to pursue their dreams, reminding us that support from loved ones can lead to achieving greatness on and off the field.
In summary, Prasad’s victory stands as a testament to dedication, teamwork, and the realization of cherished dreams, casting a hopeful light on future opportunities in his coaching career.
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