The Rewa football side had all the reasons to smile for as they lifted the 2020 Punjas Battle of the Giants (BOG) title beating southern rivals Suva 1-0 in an exciting final at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Sunday.
Head coach Marika Rodu believes the win was a bonus for his boys as they are working on a bigger plan for this season.
He said the win was also a turning point for the same boys who were down for the last two years.
“The boys came in with a motive though we have a bigger plan for the season,” a contented Rodu said after the final.
“The objective was to come and set the platform for the Vodafone Premier League second round and we kicked some boxes away during this tournament.
“I’m very happy with the boys that stood both up in the semifinal and final and I think they deservingly deserve this victory as for the last two years, the same boys were a bit down and I think it’s a big turning point for them.”
While Covid-19 pandemic had a great impact all around the world, Rodu said the players would be happy to take back something for the family.
He also thanked the ardent fans for being behind the team.
“Covid-19 also played a part in the motivation so it’s something for them (players) to take back home for the family to be happy with.
“I’m also proud of the fans that are present here today (during the final) as despite the impact of Covid-19, they still made an effort to come and cheer for the team.”
The former Rewa, Nadi and national rep added a lot has been gathered from this tournament which needs to be rectified before going into the second round of the Vodafone Premier League.
“A lot of information has been taken from this tournament in terms of how need to improve and how the oppositions have changed and this is something we will go and reflect back and come harder when the league resume.”
Bruce Hughes was the hero for the side after his 34th minute goal was enough for the Delta Tigers to clinch the BOG title for the ninth time since its inception in 1987.
