Labasa crowned a memorable night at Subrail Park with a 2-1 win over Rewa to claim the Extra Battle of the Giants title, a triumph head coach Alvin Chand attributed as much to the unseen groundwork as to the players’ performance on the pitch. In front of a roaring home crowd, Chand praised the commitment of officials, administrators, and the team’s backroom staff for the meticulous preparation that underpinned the victory, singling out team manager Avinesh Chand for his tireless logistical work. He also thanked fans who traveled long distances to be part of the occasion.
The result caps a landmark moment for the Babasiga Lions: it is their third BOG crown and their first in 26 years, made all the sweeter by clinching it on home soil for the first time. The night’s story was written early and late—Labasa struck first through Rusiate Doidoi in the 17th minute, Rewa answered via Josaia Sela in the 34th, and Simione Ragoneturaga delivered the decisive second-half winner to seal the title. The performance of goalkeeper Jitoko Vulava stood out; he was named player of the match and received the tournament’s Golden Glove, while teammate Ilisoni Lolaivalu earned the Golden Ball.
Chand, visibly moved, extended his gratitude to the team’s leadership—past and present—and to supporters who have been, in his words, pillars of strength. He also acknowledged those not on the field, including injured players who inspired the group to push through the tournament’s demands. The team’s path to the final showcased grit, including a tense extra-time semifinal victory over Navua.
Beyond silverware, the win continues a surge of momentum for Labasa in 2025, following their Fiji FACT triumph earlier in the year. It reinforces the value of strong community backing and disciplined preparation, with nearly every layer of the club contributing to a result that resonates across Vanua Levu and the wider Fijian football community.
Tournament notes:
– Awards: Labasa’s Jitoko Vulava (player of the match, Golden Glove); Labasa’s Ilisoni Lolaivalu (Golden Ball)
– Prizes: Labasa received $17,000 and a $2,500 shopping voucher; Rewa received $5,000 and a $1,500 shopping voucher, and the Fair Play Team award
Comment
Winning at home magnifies both the pressure and the payoff. Labasa’s ability to harness the energy of a packed Subrail Park while maintaining composure at key moments reflects a team maturing in big-game situations. The blend of seasoned performers and a unified backroom structure points to a sustainable platform for future tournaments. With recent titles now in hand, the next logical step is to translate this momentum into consistent league form and deeper development pathways for local talent.
Summary
Labasa defeated Rewa 2-1 at Subrail Park to win the Extra Battle of the Giants, securing their third BOG title and first in 26 years. Coach Alvin Chand credited the victory to players and extensive behind-the-scenes efforts, praised traveling supporters, and highlighted staff contributions. Rusiate Doidoi and Simione Ragoneturaga scored for Labasa; Josaia Sela scored for Rewa. Jitoko Vulava earned player of the match and the Golden Glove, while Ilisoni Lolaivalu took the Golden Ball. The win builds on Labasa’s Fiji FACT success earlier this year and underscores the strength of the club’s community support and preparation.
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