Top midfielder Ashnil Raju is set to make his comeback for the Inter-District champions Labasa in the 2024 Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup taking place in Lautoka this week. Raju, who had to sit out the IDC due to family commitments, is expected to bolster the Babasiga Lions’ midfield, enhancing their performance in the tournament.
Coach Ravneel Pratap expressed confidence in his team, noting that all key players from their IDC-winning squad, including Solomon Islanders Tigi Molea and Junior Fordney, will be present. Unfortunately, Australia-based player Anish Khem will miss the tournament due to work obligations.
Labasa is placed in a challenging Group B, which includes the defending champions Auckland All Stars, Rewa, and the USA All Stars. They will kick off the tournament with a match against the USA All Stars at 4:30 PM tomorrow.
Raju’s return is expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s dynamics, and with the team largely intact from their previous success, Labasa fans are hopeful for an impressive performance in the tournament ahead.