GLOBAL Care Suva FC’s return to the semi-finals has given the side renewed belief, but coach Pita Rabo knows the hard work must continue if they are to overcome Ba this weekend.
Suva has worked through a demanding season and will now face a strong Ba side in the semi-final, with Rabo confident that the changes he made within the team are beginning to show.
Rabo said the team had introduced several new aspects to its game over the past weeks, and the players were responding well to the changes.
“We put in a lot of new things in the team, and I think it’s working for us,” Rabo said.
He said the team’s preparation throughout the league and the Fiji FACT had helped build a stronger foundation as they entered the crucial stages of the competition.
“For us, it means a lot to us in terms of the way that we prepared,” he said.
However, the coach knows reaching the semi-finals is not enough, with Suva now focused on earning a place in the final.
The side comes into the match after a tough three-game stretch last week, which took its toll on some players.
“We’re straight on working with them at the moment, making sure they recover,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Rabo wants his players to remain focused and maintain the work ethic that has taken them this far.
“We just keep our heads down and keep on working hard,” he said.
He expects Ba to provide a difficult challenge and has warned his players not to underestimate their opponents.
“I expect them to go and give a tough game against Ba this week,” Rabo said.
The coach also believes Suva’s confidence and the support of its fans will be important factors when the two sides meet.
Rabo called on Suva supporters to continue believing in the team and what it can achieve.
He urged fans to travel to 4R Stadium at Govind Park in Ba and support the team as it battles for a place in the final.
“To all the fans out there, we’ve just been so proud that we can bring you this far,” Rabo said.
“But this is a very important week for all of our Suva fans.”
Suva will face Ba in the first semi-final match of the Extra BOG tournament this Saturday at 2pm.
