Labasa Set to Shine as Hosts of Next Year’s Football Tournament!

The business sector in Labasa is rallying behind the upcoming Battle of the Giants football tournament, which is sanctioned by the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) and set to take place next year at Subrail Park. This confirmation was made by Fiji FA’s chief executive, Mohammed Yusuf.

Paul Jaduram, president of the Macuata Tourism Association, expressed his approval of this decision, praising Fiji FA for trusting the Labasa Town Council with the tournament’s organization. Jaduram highlighted that the event would not only attract visitors but would also boost local economic activity. He pointed out that Labasa has significant potential for sports tourism and emphasized the need for collaboration within the local business community to fully leverage this opportunity.

With ample hotel accommodations available, Labasa is well-prepared to host visitors from Viti Levu. Labasa’s football men’s coach, Ravneel Pratap, sees this as a chance for the team to reclaim the title they lost this year; Labasa previously won the B.O.G title in 2023. Pratap stressed the importance of improving the quality of the ground to ensure high-standard football can be showcased during the tournament.

Earlier this year, Labasa proved its ability to host major events by holding the Digicel Fiji FACT tournament, which attracted a large audience. Pratap acknowledged the thrill and pressure of competing at home, stating that it enhances the excitement for both players and fans alike.

This proactive approach in preparing for the tournament is further showcased by the installation of new floodlights by the Labasa Town Council, which invested over $40,000 to enhance the facilities.

In summary, Labasa is gearing up to host a significant football event that promises to energize the local economy and strengthen the community’s ties through sports tourism. The collaboration between local businesses and government entities reflects a hopeful outlook for the region, and the excitement surrounding the tournament is palpable among both players and supporters.