Fiji Football Association chief executive Mohammed Yusuf is praising the remarkable performance of the four semi-finalists in the 2025 Extra Battle of the Giants tournament—Labasa, Navua, Rewa, and Lautoka. These teams have shown the dedication and hard work they put in throughout the Extra Premier League (EPL) season, which has translated into their success in upcoming tournament matches.
Yusuf noted the clear connection between consistency in the EPL and the performance of these teams in this larger tournament. “It clearly shows the hard work done during the Extra Premier League. The four teams in the semi-finals are the top four in the EPL, so it shows that if you do your hard work during the national league, it pays off during tournaments,” he commented.
In a progressive approach, he also emphasized the importance of developing young talent within the sport. He pointed to the youthful nature of the squads, especially in teams like Lautoka, Nadroga, and Ba, and stressed that giving younger players more opportunities to play not only builds their experience but strengthens the overall football community. “The players are consistent; they get exposed when they play a number of matches,” he added.
The semi-finals of the BOG tournament will take place this weekend at Subrail Park in Labasa, with Labasa set to face Navua in the first semi-final and Rewa squaring off against defending champions Lautoka in the second. This event not only showcases the competitive spirit but also celebrates community pride and engagement around football in Fiji.
The positive momentum surrounding the tournament is evident, with enthusiastic crowds expected to turn out, as Labasa has already seen significant attendance earlier in the competition. This not only bolsters local pride but signals an opportunity for sports tourism in the region.
The semi-finals promise an electrifying weekend, showcasing both the talents of the players and the unity of the community, reinforcing the optimistic outlook for the sport’s growth in Fiji.
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