Anginesh Prasad, a well-regarded local coach, has realized a dream his late father-in-law held dear by leading the Labasa Football Association to victory in a tournament. Known affectionately as AJ within the football community, Prasad, who holds a B-License coaching certification, joined Labasa’s coaching staff as a Technical Advisor during the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC). His collaboration with Coach Ravneel Pratap resulted in a memorable win over Navua at Churchill Park in Lautoka last month.
In a heartfelt statement to FijiLive, Prasad shared that this win was dedicated to his late father-in-law, Kamla Prasad, and his family in Lagalaga, Labasa. He recounted how his father-in-law had encouraged him to help Labasa secure a tournament win throughout his coaching journey. Although his father-in-law did not witness the victory, Prasad feels that he would be proud and supportive of the achievement from beyond.
Prasad emphasized the importance of answering the call when approached for coaching opportunities, stating, “whichever district approaches us, we have to help them.” He expressed gratitude to the players, officials, and fans for welcoming him into the team and allowing him to impart his coaching insights, leading to their success in the IDC.
The tactical approach taken by Prasad and his team was straightforward; they aimed to win their first two group matches, successfully achieving this goal. Prasad revealed that they decided to rest players with yellow cards for their match against Navua, knowing that the outcome would not significantly impact their progress in the tournament.
Looking back on the challenging semifinal and final matches, Prasad acknowledged the strength of their opponents. However, he was proud of his players for demonstrating focus and skill, particularly during a tense penalty shootout against Navua, where they scored from all their attempts.
With the IDC mission accomplished, Prasad, who also serves as an Operations Manager for P. Meghji Group of Companies in Lautoka, plans to take some time off before deciding on his future coaching commitments. He remains open and enthusiastic about lending his expertise to teams in need.
This story is not just about a sporting victory; it symbolizes the enduring legacy of family bonds and the fulfillment of promises. As the Labasa team celebrates their triumph, they also honor the heartfelt connections that reinforce the spirit of community and support in sports.
In summary, Anginesh Prasad’s journey reflects a blend of personal dedication, family legacy, and teamwork which culminated in a proud moment for Labasa Football Association. His commitment and the shared effort of everyone involved exemplify the remarkable potential of unity in achieving greatness.
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