The 2025 Fiji Football season has kicked off with the launch of the Pillay Garments Champion vs Champion series at the Fiji Football Association headquarters in Vatuwaqa, Suva. The opening matches will see Extra Supermarket-sponsored Rewa take on Labasa in a highly anticipated two-leg series. The first match is slated for February 1 at Subrail Park in Labasa, followed by a return match at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori on February 9.

This year marks the 33rd edition of the series, which has historically been dominated by Ba. However, the competition is set to be fierce, with Labasa looking to add to their previous successes in the tournament. Fiji FA Chief Executive Mohammed Yusuf highlighted the significance of this year’s matches, noting the absence of the defending champions, Lautoka, which opens the door for a new champion to emerge.

Both team captains, Simiome Tamanisau from Labasa and Setareki Hughes from Rewa, expressed their excitement and readiness for the upcoming challenge. Tamanisau emphasized the strong preparation from his team, while Hughes recognized the home advantage Labasa has in front of their passionate supporters.

Yusuf also revealed that the winning team will receive $5,000 in prize money, with $2,500 awarded to the runners-up, alongside advanced funding to support both teams in their preparations for the series.

Football fans in Fiji can look forward to an exciting season filled with local talent and community engagement, as the anticipation builds for the matches that will highlight the competitive spirit of the nation’s football landscape.

In summary, the start of the 2025 season brings renewed hope and excitement for supporters and players alike. It is an opportunity for teams like Labasa and Rewa to showcase their skills and foster community spirit through the beautiful game.