Heavy rainfall in Nausori did not dampen the enthusiasm of Rewa and Labasa players during the opening match of the Pillay Garments Champion vs Champion tournament at Ratu Cakobau Park. Rewa emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, thanks to a goal from Mosese Nabose just seven minutes into the game.
Rewa’s coach, Priyant Mannu, praised his team’s performance, especially given the absence of several key players. “It’s a great start. Coming into this tournament, we were without so many players, but the boys stepped up when needed, and a first win is important for us,” Mannu remarked. Despite the inclement weather, over 1,000 fans witnessed the match, and the Delta Tigers are now looking forward to their upcoming games, including a trip to the North next week.
On the other side, Labasa’s coach, Alvin Chand, expressed pride in his team’s resilience, even with a significant setback when Iowane Matanisiga received a red card in the second half, leaving them a man short. “I’d like to thank my boys; we did really well. Even though we lost, and even with 10 men, we maintained composure in our defensive state,” Chand stated. He acknowledged that scoring was crucial, as Rewa capitalized on their opportunity while Labasa could not find the back of the net.
Chand remained hopeful despite the defeat and emphasized the tournament’s format. “It’s a two-leg tournament, and we have one whole week to prepare,” he said. “We have now seen what areas need improvement since our squad has gone through many changes, and I assure the fans that we will put on a memorable performance.”
The match drew significant support from fans, and with the next round to take place at Subrail Park in Labasa, attendance is expected to be even higher, showcasing the strong community spirit surrounding the teams.
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