BA will be out to avenge last year’s semi-final loss to Labasa when they meet in the under-12 final of the 43rd Vodafone Fiji Primary Schools Football Association Inter District at Churchill Park in Lautoka this morning.
The two teams outplayed their opponents in the semi-finals yesterday.
The physically built Labasa outfit defeated Lautoka 1-0.
Tabia Sanatan Dharam Primary School student Solomone Ravonakuna proved to be the hero for northerners rifling in a free kick in the opening moments of the second spell.
Labasa coach Phool Singh said they were unable to hold proper training because of examinations for the IDC.
“The boys were brought together for a week,” Singh said.
“We set a mission after we won the North play-off and the boys were told that it was not the end and needed to step up for this tournament. “We told the boys that they have to take back the trophy to Vanua Levu. The boys have played well so far and have combined as a team. Last year we finished as the runner-up but this year we want to go a step further.”
In the other semi-final, a quick fire Ba team doused Rakiraki 2-0.
Mohammed Faroon scored in the opening minute followed by Pita Kuricuva’s successful penalty which ended Rakiraki’s hopes of a comeback. Ba coach Arvin Chand said he had assembled a new team this year.
“The boys have done gallantly well to get to the final,” Chand said. “Last year we lost in the semi-final against Labasa and it was through an unfortunate own goal. We are ready to take revenge against Labasa.”
The U12 final will kick off at 10.15am followed by the U14 final at 11.30am.
Results: U14 Ba 0 Navua 0, North West Nadroga 0 Tavua 0, Navosa 1 Nadroga 2, Nasinu 4 Nadogo 2, Suva 3 Taveuni 0, Nadi 0 Labasa 0, Lautoka 1 Rewa 1, Rakiraki 0 Labasa 2, Tailevu 0 Seaqaqa 0. U12 Labasa 2 Rakiraki 2, Seaqaqa 0 Ba 0, Navua 0 Nadroga 1, Suva 0 Nadi 0.
