Football entertainers, Extra Supermarket Labasa FC are once again favourites to win the 2023 Digicel Fiji FACT title after holding the current Digicel Fiji Premier League points table ladder leaders to a nil-all draw in the last round of the matches last month after a slow start in the competition.
The Babasiga Lions are placed third in the DPL points table ladder with four wins, three draws, and two defeats.
With former rep Thomas Vulivuli as a mentor, Labasa will be out to move a step further after falling short in last year’s final against Suva FC.
Labasa first tasted the Fiji FACT victory at Subrail Park in Labasa in 1992 beating Nadroga 1-0 in the final and featured in the first final of the tournament when it started in 1991.
It has been seven years, the Babasiqa Lions have not lifted the Fiji FACT trophy. The last they won the tournament was in 2015 beating Rewa 2-0 in the final at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Labasa has played in nine Fiji FACT finals and won four titles.
Ardent fans will be expecting a win, and there will be no shortage of support for them at the HFC Bank Stadium.
The Lions’ fast-paced brand of football will be key for them in the Group stage, where they will go up against Rewa FC, Nadi FC, and Tailevu Naitasiri FC.
The side is laced with capable players like veteran goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau, defenders Taniela Waqa, Iliesa Lino, Lekima Gonerau, Sitiveni Rakai, Akeimi Ralulu, Sekove Naivakananumi midfielders Ilisoni Lolaivalu, Ashneel Raju, Edwin Sahayam, Shivam Shandil and strikers Christopher Wasasala and Rusiate Doidoi.
Labasa opens its campaign against Rewa FC on Friday, June 9 at 8 pm and takes on Nadi FC on the second day at 5 pm before playing Tailevu Naitasiri FC in its final Group B fixture on Sunday at 11 am.
Players to Watch: Rusiate Doidoi and Shivam Shandil
Labasa FC Fiji FACT file
Runners-Up: 1991, 1995,2001, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2018, 2022
Winners: 1992, 1997,
