Local football enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting showdown between Labasa and Rewa as the 2025 season begins at Subrail Park on February 1. This match will kick off the 33rd edition of the Pillay Garments Champion vs Champion series, featuring Labasa, the Inter District champions, against Rewa, the winners of the National League.

At the launch event held at the Fiji Football Association headquarters in Suva, Chief Executive Mohammed Yusuf expressed the anticipation surrounding the series. He acknowledged the dedication from the two clubs in their preparations and extended gratitude to their long-standing sponsor, Pillay Garments, which has supported this event for over two decades.

Yusuf highlighted the significance of this year’s competition, noting the absence of defending champions Lautoka, which paves the way for a new champion to emerge. “This year we will have a new winner as Lautoka could not secure its place,” he stated.

This matchup not only represents a clash of champions but also serves as essential preparation for Rewa, who will compete in the OFC Champions League in the Solomon Islands come March. Yusuf remarked that the upcoming games against Labasa will provide them with vital match experience.

The series comprises two legs, with the first at Subrail Park and the return leg at Ratu Cakobau Park on February 9. This season marks a revitalizing chapter for Fijian football as teams like Labasa and Rewa aim to showcase their skills and determination on a prestigious platform.

Fans can anticipate exhilarating matches that celebrate local talent and community spirit, uniting football followers throughout Fiji. The ongoing season promises to be thrilling as teams vie for top honors, inspiring a new wave of excitement within the league.

In summary, the opening of the 2025 football season in Fiji signifies hope for thrilling competition and passionate displays of sport that reconnect the community, invigorating the spirit of football across the nation.