Prominent local coach Anginesh Prasad has realized a cherished dream of his late father-in-law by leading the Labasa Football Association to victory in a recent tournament. Known affectionately as AJ among the football community, Prasad, a holder of a B-License coaching certificate, joined Labasa’s coaching staff as Technical Advisor during the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC). Alongside Coach Ravneel Pratap, they skillfully navigated the team to triumph over Navua in a thrilling match held at Churchill Park in Lautoka last month.
In an interview, Prasad expressed that this achievement was dedicated to his late father-in-law, Kamla Prasad, and his family in Lagalaga, Labasa. He recalled how his father-in-law had always urged him to help Labasa secure a tournament win. Although that dream did not materialize while Kamla was alive, Prasad seized the opportunity when Labasa President Rayaz reached out for assistance in the IDC.
“This victory is particularly special for me, as I believe my father-in-law would be smiling down, proud of this accomplishment,” Prasad reflected. He emphasized the importance of his role as a coach and expressed gratitude to the players, officials, and fans for their support, which helped his coaching strategies come to fruition.
The plan for the tournament was straightforward: secure wins in the first two group matches, which they successfully achieved. They made strategic decisions in preparation for the knockout stages, carefully managing player availability. Despite facing tough opponents, the team maintained focus during critical moments, particularly in the semifinal and final rounds.
Now that the tournament is behind him, AJ, who also works as Operations Manager for P. Meghji Group of Companies in Lautoka, is considering taking a brief pause while contemplating his coaching future for the upcoming season. He remains open to opportunities to assist other teams that might benefit from his expertise.
This story of resilience and dedication not only honors a family legacy but also showcases the spirit of sportsmanship and community support that is vital in local sports. Coach Prasad’s journey reflects how personal motivations can align with professional achievements, leading to moments of joy and celebration in the sporting world.
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