FORMER Fiji under-23 rep Zibraaz Sahib will guide the Shop and Save sponsored-Reebok Lautoka team in the Vodafone Fiji FACT which starts today.
Zibraaz, who plays at central defence, will be assisted by veteran Leone Vurukania.
Blues coach Lambert Sarju has opted to give the leadership roles to the duo because of their experience.
Lautoka last lifted the Fiji FACT back in 2002 when the side edged Nasinu in a penalty shootout.
The Sugar City team will face Ba at 4pm at Govind Park in the opening round. Sarju said Sahib and Vurukania had been leading the players on the field during the Rewa Galaxy National Football League (NFL).
“They have a lot of experience and have been giving out good instructions,” he said.
“Both are central defenders and will have good vision from the back and will make positive decisions on the field.”
Lautoka defeated Ba 1-0 during the first round of the NFL.
Match fitness is an area of concern for the Blues having not played at competitive level for the past five weeks.
According to Sarju, Ba has the edge having competed at the Fiji Airways Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League.
“Ba made a slow start in the NFL,” he said.
“But they peaked really well recently and played exceptionally in the OFC Champions League.
“They have well-structured team despite the setback of losing their Fiji under-20 players. Ba is one district that breeds good players and I’m sure that they have enough ammunition to fill the void.
“The aim for any team is to win the tournament. Our last victory in the tournament was more than a decade. The groundwork has been done at training. Now the boys will have to perform. They should be positive because on the day of the game anything can happen.
“The first game is always difficult. For us, we will be playing as a unit after a five-week break. That is a very long time and Ba has been playing competitive football.
“Hopefully the boys will settle well early with their combinations and we are calling on all the fans to turn up in numbers to support the team.”
Jack’s Chicken Express Nadi will face Coastal Rentals Nadroga at the same venue at 2pm.
