The Fijian New World National Football League has a new champion after Labasa thrashed their way to the title – their first in 16 years.
Labasa proved to have the most potent attack in the league with Fijian international Roy Krishna and Pita Bolaitoga doing most of the damage.
Bolaitoga scored a hat-trick in Labasa’s 5-0 thrashing of Navua, while Kirshna also scored three in their 4-3 win over Suva in Super Six action.
The win ended Ba’s hold on the title, which they held since 2001 and was a memorable day for Labasa who last tasted glory in the national competition in 1991.
Navua boasted a team featuring some high profile imports including former All White and Coventry City player Che Bunce, former Waikato FC captain Matt Williams, along with goalkeeper
Fred Hale and Stephen Morrell.
However they couldn’t find the cohesion and combinations to counter Labasa. Bunce and Williams took command of the midfield after coming on at halftime, but couldn’t break down the
resilient Lambasa defense.
Krishna opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Bolaitoga made it 3-0 with strikes in the 25th and 42nd minute. Henry Dyer made it 4-0, two minutes from half-time and
Bolaitoga got his hat trick in the 68th min.
Labasa president Abhinesh Kumar was full of praise for his team and their two star strikers.
“They have been playing very well and scoring goals in almost all matches,” Kumar said. “While they have played very well, I would like to say that without a team effort we wouldn’t
have achieved anything. It is through the commitment, discipline and dedication of the players,
officials and coach which has bought us this win.”
Lambasa will now be one of the favorites to win the Inter District Cup title, though Kumar said that they were wary of all teams and will not underestimate anyone.