REWA FC is expecting a tougher challenge when it begins its defence of the FMF Inter-District Championship, with team director Amish Patel warning that Nasinu could be one of the teams to cause an upset.
Patel said the pool drawn appeared more favourable than the team’s BOG pool, but Rewa was taking nothing for granted as it prepares for the tournament in the Southern Division.
He singled out Nasinu as a team to watch after its recent performances and growing exposure at the national level.
“Looking at Nasinu, they have been getting good exposure nowadays and have given us a tough time during the semi-finals,” Patel said.
He referred to Rewa’s close semi-final against Nasinu in the BOG as evidence of the challenge the side could face again.
“The nail-biting match between Rewa and Nasinu in the BOG semi-finals was a testament to what Nasinu was capable of doing and surely they will be one of the teams which could cause an upset in this pool,” he said.
Rewa’s main objective is to retain the title, but Patel acknowledged that defending it in the Southern Division would bring its own challenges.
“It is going to be much harder and challenging for us to defend the title,” he said.
Patel said the team had already started its preparations and was determined to approach the tournament with confidence.
“The boys have started their preparation and surely we will go hard, go strong and be ready for the challenges ahead,” he said.
Rewa is in pool A with Labasa, Suva and Nasinu.
He also called on Rewa supporters to turn out in numbers throughout the tournament and back the defending champions.
The games will be from October 6-11 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Rewa takes on Nasinu in their opening match of the tournament at 3.30pm next Tuesday.
