The Lautoka Football team finished the 2018 national Premier League in style with a convincing 4-1 win over Rewa in the final round of games last Sunday.
The win saw the 2018 OFC Champions League finalists secure their place in next year’s edition of Oceania’s premier international club competition.
The top-of-the-table finish was achieved with nine win, four draws and just one loss in the two round league, which saw Lautoka finish with a total of 31 points.
OFC Champions League regulars Ba FC will join Lautoka in the regional competition once more after finishing second ahead of Nadi by two points.
Lautoka president Abdul Kadar was proud of the efforts of his side after winning the national league title and qualifying for the OFC Champions League back-to-back, under his presidency.
“Well I am very proud together with all the executives and players of Lautoka FC and if I am not wrong, we have created a piece of history by winning the first back-to-back league titles for Lautoka hence I would say it’s an historic occasion for Lautoka FC and its entire family,” Kadar said after the win.
He outlined desire, determination and commitment as the only secrets to the team’s success.
“Well to tell you the fact, there is no secret behind it as it all comes through the desire, determination and commitment to do a job,” he said.
“At the beginning of the season we had set our objective to win the VPL and qualify for the OCL and I am happy that the coaching team, led by Kamal (Swamy), together with all the hardworking and dedicated players, have sacrificed all through out and at the end we are happy to be here again – to be the best team in the country.”
Kadar said the team has little time to celebrate as the focus quickly shifts to defending their Inter-District Championship (IDC) title.
“Since the season is now officially over, we will now shift our focus for the new season.
“We know we don’t have much time and the new season will not be any easier as we have to first defend our IDC title. We will now take a week’s break and then start our preparations for the upcoming IDC.”