Twenty players from Paradise Sea Food Supplies Lautoka FC were rewarded with cash bonuses after their dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Ba FC in the Extra Super Premier League at Churchill Park on Friday night. The gesture, confirmed by association president Shalend Prasad, was described as a way to recognise the players’ commitment and to support their welfare.
Prasad explained that the rewards were funded by Paradise Sea Food Supplies, with the backing of other sponsors and team executives, and that the amount for each player would remain confidential. He credited the club’s sponsors for driving the initiative and for looking after the players, especially given the injuries and suspensions affecting several senior members.
Ba FC started the match strong and took the lead through Penisoni Tirau. Lautoka refused to quit, and Ilaitia Ralaselevu levelled the score in the 81st minute, before Simione Nabenu fired in the late winner during stoppage time to seal the comeback.
Prasad also noted that the win serves as a confidence boost after Lautoka’s recent Battle of the Giants setback and as the side shifts focus toward the FMF IDC in Ba. “This was a positive result for us as we prepare for IDC. All our Premier League matches will be part of our build-up, and in the coming weeks, more young players will join Lautoka FC,” he said. He also thanked the club’s supporters for their continued backing.
The weekend’s results also included Nasinu’s 6-3 thrashing of Nadroga at the Uprising Sports Complex in Pacific Harbour, and Navua’s 2-1 win over Tavua at Garvey Park. Navua’s victory moved them up to fourth in the standings, with Ba slipping to fifth.
Takeaways and context:
– The 20-player cash reward package highlights Lautoka’s emphasis on player welfare and youth development, a message the club has underscored in recent weeks as it integrates younger talents into the squad.
– The dramatic late winner reinforces Lautoka’s resilience and their intent to build momentum ahead of key fixtures in the season.
– The weekend results keep the title race competitive and give Lautoka and Ba reasons to stay focused as the league progresses.
Summary:
– Lautoka beat Ba 2-1 after a late surge, with Ilaitia Ralaselevu equalising and Simione Nabenu scoring the stoppage-time winner.
– 20 Lautoka players received confidential cash rewards funded by Paradise Sea Food Supplies and other sponsors.
– Nasinu defeated Nadroga 6-3; Navua beat Tavua 2-1, lifting Navua to fourth and pushing Ba to fifth.
– The club frames the win as a confidence boost ahead of IDC and a sign of ongoing youth integration and squad support.
Optional hopeful note:
The positive momentum from this result, combined with the rewards program and ongoing development of younger players, could help Lautoka sustain pressure on the league leaders and bring a fresh, hopeful energy to their campaign.
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