Former Rewa skipper Apisalome Turuva is set to join Labasa for the new season after applying for his district release last week.
Rewa president Faiaz Ali said Turuva made his intentions clear about joining Labasa and he would not force the former national U20 defender or any other player to play for the Delta Tigers.
“He (Turuva) wanted $4000 upfront payment to play for Rewa and the association is not in a position to pay such a sum to him or any player,” Ali said.
“Turuva is a great talent and he can make such demands but we need to be realistic because football in Fiji is yet to be professionalised.”
“Rewa needs players who have heart to play for the district,” He said.
The National Hire Limited boss said central midfielder Henry Dyer also applied for district release to join Labasa.
“We have a lot of young players in the squad, I plan to further develop and use them this season.”
Meanwhile Rewa edged Suva 3-1 here Saturday night to retain the King Irving Cup at Ratu Cakobau Park.
Striker Laisala “Bond” Vetaukula inspired the Delta Tigers to a convincing 3-1 win over archrivals Suva on Saturday night to help Rewa retain the King Irving Cup.
Rewa showed a lot of promise as a team and starring for the side were national U20 reps Kelepi Qaqa, Ratu Semi, Solomoni Nuilevu and latest acquisition Posiano Kolisito.
Rewa led 1-0 at halftime and Bond doubled the advantage midway in the second half before Suva without four regulars Maciu Dunadamu, Rupeni Tabua, Dinesh Mudaliar and Apisai Smith pulled one back through midfield kingpin Saimata Chillia.
Kamal Hassan also had a goal disallowed in the first half.
National goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau who played striker scored the crucial third goal for Rewa.
Suva coach Zulfiker Khan was impressed with Rewa’s four Fiji U20 players.
“They made a big difference they still have the fitness and were very sharp.”
“For us it was a good pre-season game, I did a few experiments and we will work with the positives of this game,” He said.
Khan said Suva’s major downfall was lack of goalkeepers in the squad.
“Azmat Begg proved a total failure, he was completely out of form, he didn’t train for the last two weeks but I had to use him since there was no reserve goalkeeper.”
“I’m sure Suva will improve in time for the national league, it is likely the three Vanuatu players will stay back so I will have a very balanced side with depth in the squad as well.”
Rewa boss Faiaz Ali was a proud man after watching his side win his first game in-charge.
“It was a good performance and the team needs to build on this performance.”
The game also saw the return of legend Ravuama Madigi as Rewa coach.
“I thank Rewa team officials for their hard work and we are banking on Madigi to mould this squad into a champion team.”
Ali said in the national league Rewa would also have the services of David Wise and Epeli Rokoqica Junior.
“Their release from Ba was faxed late Saturday but they feature for Rewa in the national league.”
TEAMS; Rewa: Ulaiyasi Tamanisau, Lorima Dau, Ratu Semi, Samuela Vula, Solomoni Niulevu, Posiano Kolisito, Kelepi Qaqa, Patrick Wise, Kamal Hassan, Laisala Vetaukula, Simione Tamanisau.
Suva: Azmat Begg, Esava Naqeleca, Tupou Tagiduadua, Mira Saheb, Akariva Dau, Inosi Cava, Maleli Nakalavolevu, Saimata Chillia, Joseph Namariau, Soromon Seule, Moh’d Moffin.