ANOTHER exciting round of the Extra Premier League kicks off this weekend with high stakes matches and plenty of drama expected on the pitch.
Tavua will host Rewa at Garvey Park today at 3pm in what promises to be an intense rematch. In their first-round clash, Tavua stunned fans by taking a 2-0 lead against the Delta Tigers at Ratu Cakobau Park, with goals from Atunaisa Livanalagi in first-half stoppage time and Sanaila Waqanicakau in the 55th minute. However, Rewa responded with the composure of a title contender, as Iowane Matanisiga, John Orobulu, and a double from Epeli Valevou completed a remarkable comeback to seal a 4-2 victory. With Rewa pushing to keep up with league leaders Labasa, and Tavua still in search of their first win, this fixture could go either way, especially with the support of the Tavua faithful behind their team at home.
Also taking place today is the clash between ABA Realtors Nasinu FC and Extra Supermarket Labasa FC at the Uprising Sports Centre in Pacific Harbour at 3pm. Labasa, unbeaten so far and the reigning BiC Fiji FACT champions, are in formidable form with seven wins and two draws under their belt.
The excitement continues tomorrow with three key matchups scheduled. Navua and Suva will face off at the Uprising Sports Centre at 3pm in a battle of mid-table rivals. Their first-round encounter was a closely contested affair, with Suva edging out Navua 2-1 thanks to goals from Dave Radrigai and Amani Makoe, while Simione Damuni scored for Navua. Both teams currently sit on 12 points, with Suva narrowly ahead in fifth place due to a better goal difference. Adding to the unpredictability, both sides will have new coaches on the sidelines this weekend, bringing fresh tactics and renewed energy to the contest. With both clubs eyeing a stronger finish in the second half of the season, this match could prove pivotal.
Over in Ba, the Men-in-Black are set to take on traditional rivals Nadi in another blockbuster showdown at 3pm. Ba claimed bragging rights in the first meeting with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Prince Charles Park. Now under new management, Ba will be looking to reassert its dominance and strengthen its hold on third place with 14 points from four wins, two draws, and three losses. Nadi, who sit in eighth with 10 points, will be eager to turn their season around and exact revenge against their Western foes.
Meanwhile, Lawaqa Park will host another crucial tie as Nadroga welcomes Lautoka at 1pm. Lautoka were 2-0 winners in the first-round meeting at Churchill Park, but Nadroga has since found new life under head coach Varoon Karan. The Stallions stunned everyone during the BiC Fiji FACT group stage, handing Labasa their first defeat of the season, and now sit fourth on the table. They will be pushing to climb even higher and secure a top-three finish, while Lautoka, currently in seventh, will be looking to replicate their earlier success and get their campaign back on track.
With the league standings tightening and every point crucial, this weekend’s round of the Extra Premier League is set to deliver plenty of action, surprises, and defining moments.
