Prominent local football coach Anginesh Prasad, affectionately known as AJ, has successfully realized a long-held dream of his late father-in-law by guiding the Labasa Football Association to victory in a recent tournament. The B-License holder took on the role of Technical Advisor for Labasa during the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC), working alongside Coach Ravneel Pratap. Together, they led the Babasiga Lions to a triumphant win over Navua at Churchill Park in Lautoka last month.
In a heartfelt statement, Prasad shared that the success in the tournament was dedicated to his late father-in-law, Kamla Prasad, and his family in Lagalaga, Labasa. “Ever since I took up coaching, he had been asking me to help Labasa win a tournament. Unfortunately, it did not happen while he was alive, but I did not hesitate when Labasa President Rayaz approached me for assistance,” he said. Prasad expressed that the victory was a culmination of hard work from all players and officials.
The win held significant emotional value for Prasad, who believed his father-in-law would be smiling down with pride and blessing the team, as he was a staunch supporter of Labasa FC. He emphasized the importance of winning the IDC and highlighted his readiness to assist any district seeking his coaching expertise.
Prasad thanked the players, officials, and fans for welcoming him into the team, noting that his aim was to add a bit of his coaching philosophy to help achieve their goal. Their strategy for the championship was straightforward: to win the first two group matches, which they successfully accomplished. He went on to explain that they strategically rested yellow carded players in preparation for the knockout stages, leading to thrilling matches in the semifinals and finals.
The final match against Navua proved challenging, as it was decided through a penalty shootout, which Prasad was pleased to see his players handle with focus and precision.
With the championship mission now complete, AJ, who also holds the position of Operations Manager for P. Meghji Group of Companies in Lautoka, intends to take some time to reflect before deciding on his future football commitments. He remains open to helping any team that calls upon his coaching skills, expressing his passion for the sport.
In summary, Anginesh Prasad’s journey reflects not only personal fulfillment but also the unity and dedication of the football community in Labasa. His story stands as an inspiring reminder of how sport can honor personal legacies and bring communities together. It also illustrates the potential for future collaborations and successes in local football, encouraging fans to remain supportive and engaged in the sport they cherish.
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