Anginesh Prasad, a respected coach in the local football community, has honored the memory of his late father-in-law, Kamla Prasad, by leading the Labasa Football Association to victory at the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC). Known to many as AJ, Prasad joined the coaching team as a Technical Advisor, collaborating with Coach Ravneel Pratap to guide the Babasiga Lions to their successful match against Navua at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
In an interview, Prasad shared that this win was especially meaningful to him, as his father-in-law had always hoped to see Labasa triumph in a tournament during his lifetime. Although Kamla could not witness this achievement, Prasad believes he would be proud and watching over them as they celebrated the victory.
The coaching journey began when Labasa President Rayaz approached Prasad for assistance in the IDC. Without hesitation, he volunteered to help. Reflecting on the experience, Prasad expressed his gratitude to the players, officials, and fans for their support and acceptance, crediting their combined effort for the tournament success.
Prasad outlined their strategic plan, which focused on winning their first two group matches. They achieved this goal and, in a tactical decision, rested certain players for the match against Navua, which they could afford to lose without affecting their overall standings. This prepared them for tougher matches in the knockout stages, successfully defeating Nadi and navigating a tense penalty shootout against Navua.
Now that Labasa has secured the championship, AJ plans to take a short break from football, as he balances his professional career as an Operations Manager with his passion for the sport. However, he remains open to coaching opportunities next season, ready to lend his expertise to any team in need.
This victory not only serves as a tribute to family ties but also showcases the power of community and perseverance in sports, inspiring fans and future players alike.
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