Extra Supermarket Labasa FC is certainly aiming to make a significant mark with their quest for a third consecutive Battle of the Giants title. Their back-to-back victories in 2022 and 2023 set a high bar, and achieving a hat trick would solidify their dominance in Fiji football.
Their recent form in the Digicel Fiji Premier League will undoubtedly add to the excitement of the tournament, and it will be interesting to see how they navigate the challenges from other strong contenders.
The pressure will be on the Labasa side as defending champions, but they do always have a twelfth player playing in their team from the sidelines. For sure they will be backed by their die-hard fans at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The Babasiga Lions are well known for their fast-paced, entertaining football which they have displayed over the years.
This time they will be up against Flick Hygiene Lautoka FC, Smart & Efficient Security Services/Calgary Nadi FC and Navua.
Labasa is no doubt a team to reckon with at this year’s Rooster Chicken/Scoop Ice Cream Battle of the Giants with capable players with the likes of veteran goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau and upcoming goalkeepers Jitoka Vulava and Joji Vuakaca, defenders Sekove Naivakanainumi, Iliesa Lino, Lekima Gonerau, Sitiveni Rakai, midfielders, Akeimi Ralulu, Ilisoni Logaivou, Ashneel Raju, Melvin Mani and strikers Christopher Wasasala and Eparama Moraica.
The inclusion of the Solomon Islands Internationals Tigi Molea and Junior Fordney no doubt will be the strength for the Ravneel Pratap-coached side.
The Babasiga Lions have won the BOG titles four times and were runner-up seven times.
The Extra Supermarket Labasa FC starts its title defense against Navua FC on Friday, July 26 at 7pm. Their second group B match is up against Lautoka FC on Saturday at 5pm and will wrap up its group stages against Nadi FC on Sunday at 4pm.
