Labasa football team hero Taniela Waqa says winning the 2020 Pillay Garments Champion vs Champion series means a lot for him and the team.
“It means a lot to us as we have been affected by the two cyclones recently and I dedicate this win to all the people of Vanua Levu,”said Waqa
“We have struggled a lot coming into this series buy hats off to the boys for playing their heart out,”
Waqa said his ambition was to score the goal when he entered the field.
“I had in my mind to find the opportunity to score the goal and defend our title for the people of Labasa who have been severely affected by Cyclone Yasa and Ana,”
Waqa said his intention was to retire this year but the love of football stopped him.
“My intention is to help the young players who are coming up and build the team for future and the love of football has brought me back to the beautiful game,” said Waqa
Waqa said the win has gave them the platform for the new season.
“It is a platform going into the new season and we have set up a goal which is to win the league this year,”said Waqa.
The former national and Lautoka defender came in as a substitute in the second half and scored the winning goal in the 85th minute as Labasa won 2-1 to retain its title.
Coach Ravneel Pratap praised the effort of Waqa in the game.
“He is a great leader, great player and an inspiration to other players and he is very supportive and helps me a lot in training, “said Pratap.
Labasa will now face Ba in the first round of the National Premier League which kicks off this weekend.
