The business sector in Labasa is enthusiastic about hosting next year’s Battle of the Giants (B.O.G) tournament, sanctioned by the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) at Subrail Park. The announcement came from Fiji FA Chief Executive Mohammed Yusuf, marking an exciting development for the community.
Paul Jaduram, President of the Macuata Tourism Association, expressed his support for the initiative, noting that it demonstrates the faith the Fiji FA has in the Labasa Town Council to successfully organize the event. Jaduram highlighted the potential for the tournament to boost local economic activity and stated that Labasa is well-equipped with sufficient hotel accommodations to welcome visitors from Viti Levu.
Ravneel Pratap, the coach of Labasa’s football team, sees this as a prime opportunity for the team to reclaim the title they lost this year after winning in 2023. He emphasized the need for improvements to the playing field to ensure that high-quality football is showcased during the tournament.
Labasa’s previous experience hosting the Digicel Fiji FACT tournament, which drew significant crowds, bodes well for the upcoming event. Pratap noted that hosting the tournament comes with the pressure to perform well, but the thrill of playing in front of a home crowd is a motivating factor.
In preparation for the Fiji FACT, Labasa Town Council invested over $40,000 in new floodlights, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing the facilities for upcoming tournaments.
This positive development showcases how sports can drive community engagement, economic growth, and pride, promising an exciting atmosphere as Labasa prepares for the tournament.
In conclusion, the unanimous support from the business community and local authorities indicates a collaborative effort aimed at making the B.O.G tournament a resounding success, fostering not only local tourism but also community spirit.
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