Prominent local coach Anginesh Prasad, affectionately known as AJ, has realized a cherished dream of his late father-in-law, Kamla Prasad, by leading the Labasa Football Association to victory in a significant tournament. Serving as the Technical Advisor during the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC), AJ collaborated with Coach Ravneel Pratap to guide the Babasiga Lions to a historic win against Navua at Churchill Park in Lautoka last month.
In an interview, Prasad emphasized that this triumph was a tribute to his father-in-law and his family in Lagalaga, Labasa. He recalled how Kamla had always encouraged him to help Labasa clinch a tournament title. Although that wish remained unfulfilled while he was alive, the opportunity came when Labasa President Rayaz approached AJ for assistance in the IDC. Without hesitation, he agreed, attributing the victory to the unwavering dedication of both the players and officials involved.
AJ expressed the emotional significance of this achievement, stating that fulfilling his father-in-law’s wish would surely bring a smile to him from above, as he was known to be a loyal supporter of the team. He acknowledged the vital role of coaches, stating, “Whichever district approaches us, we have to help them,” and he felt honored to contribute his expertise to Labasa in this tournament.
The team’s strategy was straightforward, focusing on winning their first two group matches, which they accomplished. AJ revealed that they rested players with yellow cards before the match against Navua— a decision that allowed them to preserve their strength for critical knockout rounds. The semifinals and finals presented challenges, but AJ’s experience helped the team navigate through, culminating in a successful penalty shootout against Navua.
Now that the tournament goal has been achieved, AJ, who also works as an Operations Manager for P. Meghji Group of Companies, is taking some time to reflect on his future plans. While he has not made any decisions regarding next season’s commitments, he remains open to assisting any team that might require his coaching insights.
This victory not only honors a loved one but also showcases the spirit of community and support within the world of local football, reflecting how personal connections can inspire success on the field.
In summary, Anginesh Prasad’s dedication to his late father-in-law and the Labasa Football Association has culminated in a noteworthy victory, demonstrating the powerful impact of familial bonds and teamwork. As he contemplates the future, there’s hope that his passion for football will continue to shine brightly, potentially guiding even more teams to success in the coming seasons.
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