REWA FC coach-cum-player Tevita Waranaivalu believes his side is ready for one of the biggest challenges of his career as the Delta Tigers prepare to face 13-time champions Auckland City in the OFC Men’s Champions League semi-final at the 4R Stadium, Govid Park in Ba today.
The match presents Rewa with a chance to reach the competition’s final for the first time, adding significance to what Waranaivalu described as a “huge” occasion, particularly with the semi-final being played at home.
“It’s a great achievement for me as a player, as a coach, and we’re looking forward to it,” Waranaivalu said.
Rewa’s journey to the semi-final has been anything but straightforward. The Fijian side suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat to Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC in its opening group match before recovering with victories over Tupapa Maraerenga FC and Lae City FC.
Waranaivalu said the difficult start tested the team, but ultimately strengthened its resolve.
“This is the path we chose. Our start in the tournament was not that good,” he said.
For Waranaivalu, the turnaround is built on the unity within the squad.
“It’s just because of our teamwork, our bond, the way we turn things around so easily.”
But standing in Rewa’s way is an Auckland City side renowned for its organisation, experience and depth. The New Zealand club has dominated the OFC Champions League over the years and has repeatedly shown an ability to change match outcomes late.
Waranaivalu acknowledged the threat posed by Auckland’s substitutes, pointing to their ability to find decisive moments in the closing stages.
“No doubt, Auckland City is a good team. They have depth in the team, especially on the bench,” he said.
“You can see all the games that they won in the dying stages, the last 10 minutes, the last 15 minutes. That’s where the depth in their bench players came in.”
However, Waranaivalu believes Rewa also has the resources to compete, with the mindset of the players likely to be crucial.
“For us, we also might have the depth, but it’s a matter for the day. Whoever comes in with a great mindset, positive mindset, positive attitude, will surely do good on the day.”
Rewa have managed their preparations carefully, with Waranaivalu giving his players a day off to ensure they arrive fresh for the contest.
“I want them to come fresh in the semi-final, without fatigue, without tiredness, soreness, because we know the semi-final, if it’s really going to go into extra time, we need them to be fresh and actually fit to last the whole minutes.”
Rewa will also have the backing of a passionate home crowd, something Waranaivalu believes could provide an important advantage against the experienced Auckland side.
His message, however, is not only for Rewa supporters in Nausori and around the Western Division, but for the whole of Fiji.
“It’s one of the biggest tournaments in Oceania. If you’re not doing anything tomorrow, please come on down and support our home team, which is Rewa representing Fiji.”
Rewa FC will meet Auckland City FC at 3pm today at the 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba.
