A change in mindset for the Labasa football players could see them win the upcoming Vodafone Fiji FACT tournament.

The players have been celebrating their Courts Interdistrict Championship win with their fans, friends and families.

But this week, it has stopped as they prepare to take on Lautoka today in their Vodafone Premier League clash at Subrail Park.

Labasa coach Ronil Lal said yesterday the leadership of the senior players had contributed to their success as they always bring the players together.

“We had given them a week with a message that we trust and believe in them so it worked after a week’s break they returned,” he said.

“It is always good to give them that ownership feeling that this is their team.

“They know the seriousness of hosting a tournament at home and the pressure of playing at home.

“We have to perform during the Fiji FACT and players are serious because they know what is coming.”

Lal said with the senior players now taking the leading role it had benefitted the team in a lot of ways.

“Everyone has turned up for training. It was good to see that every day,” he said.

Lal added that they are using their remaining VPL matches as a build-up for the Fiji FACT.

“We will use these two games to build-up and try out some new things for the Fiji FACT. This is going to depend on the availability of players.

“We will work our way around things during these two games.

“For now the priority is the Fiji FACT so we will use these remaining games as a build-up.”

Lal said Subrail Park is a small ground so it is very important for them to work on their counter attacks. “It is very important for us to be organised and players doing their roles. It’s at home with a lot of fans coming out to watch us play after our IDC victory.

“For us it is very important to get a positive result so we have worked hard for this match. I know Lautoka will come prepared so we cannot be slack,” he said.

“Playing against good teams is another advantage. Having Lautoka, then Nadi and Ba coming over will be very important to us on how we approach these games.

“We were aiming for the O-League but I don’t think we have a chance even if we win these three games it will be hard for us.”

“We will work on that from next season as one of the main goal for now its the Fiji Fact for us.”

Labasa are expected to field Ilisoni Lolaivalu, Anare Apenisa, Ashnil Raju and captain Akuila Mateisuva.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND

TODAY- 1.30pm Labasa v Lautoka at Subrail Park, Labasa; 3pm Ba v Nadi at Fiji FA Academy, Ba

SUNDAY- 3pm Suva v Nasinu at ANZ Stadium, Laucala; 3pm Navua v Rewa at Uprising Sports Centre, Pacific Harbour

ADMISSION (all venues)

$5 adults, children (U12): Free

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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