REWA FC heads into tomorrow’s OFC Men’s Champions League semi-final against Auckland City with growing belief, as the Fijian side looks to turn its recent momentum into a place in the final.
The semi-final kicks off at 3pm at 4R Stadium, Govind Park, Ba, with Rewa facing one of the region’s most experienced sides.
For Rewa assistant coach Priyant Mannu, the team’s journey through the tournament has already shown the character within the squad.
“After the opening match, the result was not in our favour, but after that the boys picked up and we had to fight to move on,” Mannu said.
He believes Rewa has grown stronger with every match and is beginning to find its rhythm at the right time.
“As you can see in the past two games, we have been at crucial points, but we managed to get it. Looking forward, I think the boys are gaining momentum as the game goes along,” he said.
That confidence will be important against Auckland City, but Mannu believes Rewa has prepared for the challenge and will focus on what it can control.
“They have been winning this for the past year, so it’s a little bit tough for us, but we do have a plan,” he said.
For Mannu, composure will be one of the keys to Rewa’s chances.
“Our main focus will be staying composed throughout the 90 minutes,” he said.
While the occasion is bigger, Mannu said the team has maintained its preparation and approach.
“For us, it’s really been the same,” he said.
The difference is that Wednesday offers no second opportunity.
“We know there’s no second chance. If we lose, we go out, and if we win, we can reach the final and get closer to our goal,” Mannu said.
He believes the entire Rewa camp is ready for the challenge.
“All the boys are ready to take on Auckland City on Wednesday,” he said.
For Rewa, a victory would be more than a place in the final.
“It will be a proud moment for Fiji, a milestone achievement for the team in the Fiji region finals,” Mannu said.
With belief growing and the final within reach, Rewa now has 90 minutes to make its opportunity count.
