The Setareki Hughes captained- Rewa side have been challenged to capture their ninth Punjas Battle of the Giants title.

The Delta One Automotive Repairs sponsored- Rewa team take on Priceline Pharmacy Ba side in the first semifinal at Churchill Park, Lautoka, on Saturday at 2pm.

“COVID-19 pandemic has hit everyone hard so the question if we want to the tournament will be answered by the players,” Rewa coach Marika Rodu said.

“They (players) need the extra pocket money and they will go out there to fight.”

Rodu said the focus for him is on the Vodafone Premier League.

“I have taken the weight of winning the Battle of the Giants off their (players) shoulders. As you can see they are playing calmly with a lot of patience. They are now enjoying the game.”

During pool play Rewa beat hosts Lautoka 3-2, went down 1-0 to Nadi before they bounce back to wallop Navua 3-0.

They are hoping for a fast recovery of midfielder Misaele Draunibaka who suffered a knock in their clash against Nadi on Saturday night. He also spent a night at the Lautoka Hospital,” Rodu said.

“Misa got a knock and we’ll see what the physio‘s report says in the coming days. I don’t have a best 11 but the best 22. We have four days to prepare the team and will not waste time.”

Rewa last won the tournament in 2017 where they beat Nadi 2-1 in the final.

Ticket sales today

The tournament’s semifinals and final ticket pre-sales starts today.

Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said the tickets would be on sale in Ba, Nadi and Lautoka.

“Fans can purchase their tickets from Hyperchem Pharmacy in Ba, Makanjees in Nadi and Lautoka City Council”

The ticket price for Pavilion A will be $15 for adults and child Under-12 will be $7. Pavilion B will $12 for adult and child U12 will be $5 while on the embankment side $6 for adults and child U12 is $2.

Yusuf urged fans to buy the tickets in advance to avoid disappointments on the match day.

Ba without Waqa

Ba football captain Saula Waqa has been suspended from playing at all level of football for three years.

Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said Waqa had tested positive on using banned substance.

Yusuf said Waqa and the Ba Football ssociation were also fined $500 each.

Edited by Leone Cabenatbua

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