New Labasa football coach Ravneel Pratap has proved critics wrong after guiding the team to its back to back title defense against Unique Rubber Stamp and Printery Suva in the 2020 Pillay Garments Champion vs Champion series at ANZ Stadium in Suva on Sunday.
Pratap said he had to go through a lot when he was named the coach of the team.
“There were a lot of critics on social media when I was named the coach after Roneel Lal resigned but with the blessings of almighty God I have succeed,” said Pratap
Tears in his eyes Pratap said he had sleepless nights heading into the championship.
“There were lot of pressure on me and also on my family but I must thank my wife for her support and encouraging me despite all critics, “said Pratap.
“It was not an easy journey but I thank Labasa FA executives and players having faith in me,”
“All credit goes to the players for their hard work and dedication,”
The Labasa Sangam school teacher said he accepted the challenge for the love and passion for football.
“It is a challenge for me now and will have to work harder than what I have been doing and I also acknowledge the support of some coaches who have been motivating me in my career as well. Especially to our former coach Roneel Lal who had been motivating and pushing me to work hard and he told me that one day you will be at my place but I used to say Master I am not ready but he used to say Ravneel one day you will be ready and I thank him for his encouragement, “said Partap
He added that win has given hope to the people of Vanua Levu.
“We are still recovering from Cyclone Yasa and Ana and this victory will surely bring smile on the faces of many affected people,”
“I know we can be inspired from this win and I know words cannot rebuild everything but hope and inspiration from this win can do a lot of thing for the people back at home, “said Pratap
He dedicated his first victory to all the people who were affected by the Cyclones.
The win against Suva gave Labasa its fifth CVC title and first back-to-back victory.
