Labasa Coach Ravneel Pratap emphasizes the need for defensive improvement ahead of their significant Group A match in the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC) against host Lautoka tonight.
Although Labasa secured a 3-1 victory over Suva in their opening match, Pratap acknowledged that their defense faced numerous challenges, raising concerns about their compatibility and consistency.
“Our goalkeeper and captain, Simione Tamanisau, had to step in and support the defenders on several occasions, but this needs to change for the next match as we confront another tough opponent,” he stated. “Suva proved to be a formidable adversary, and Lautoka currently has some of the best attackers in the nation, so we cannot afford to be complacent or allow pressure to build on our defense.”
Pratap expressed satisfaction with their performance against Suva, noting that a win provides a significant morale boost, especially after a disappointing start in the recent Battle of the Giants (BOG) tournament, which served as an essential learning experience for the team.
He also mentioned that the wet and slippery pitch affected their gameplay, but adaptability is crucial. “We cannot complain, as all teams are facing the same conditions. We just need to plan effectively and ensure that we adjust and settle in quickly.”
Extra Supermarket Labasa is set to face Flick Hygiene Lautoka in the highlight match of Day 2 at 8 pm.