This comes as defending CvC champions Ba are out of title contention after being thumped 3-0 by Navua on Friday night at TFL National Stadium in Suva.
Ba coach Yogendra Dutt said a lack of experience and maturity within his squad may have contributed to their loss. This was their second consecutive loss in the CvC series after going down 1-0 Navua in the previous round.
Dutt believes his Ba side are in a rebuilding phase and need time to regain their status.
“It was immaturity from some of our players but not all. Ba is rebuilding a team for the future and it does not mean that we need to win everything. Some of our senior players were missing in this match but with the blessings from them and everyone we are trying to move forward,” Dutt said.
Ba missed a number of key players with the likes of top sweeper Malakai Kanihewe, Malakai Tiwa and ace striker Josaia Bukalidi all unavailable. The western based side also lost national striker Maciu Dunadamu who signed with Navua for the 2010 season and played a huge role for his new club in their 3-0 win.
Striker Dunadamu scored the opening goal in the 26th minute before fellow strike partner Sailosi Livatalo doubled their lead just after half time. Then in the dying stages of the match, veteran forward Seveci Rokotakala scored to make it a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
Ba and Labasa are the only clubs to have ever lifted the prestigious CvC title but this year Lautoka and Navua are in the running.
Despite the win, Navua need to wait for the final CvC encounter between Ba and Lautoka on Sunday. Lautoka have the arduous task of beating Ba by five clear goals in order to snatch the title.
An over the moon Navua coach Gurjit Singh says his side look good to win their first ever CvC title.
“On paper one can see that we have more chance to win the CvC. The boys really played well against Ba. Some players were facing injury but they all wanted to play,” said Singh.
The CvC title decider match between Ba and Lautoka will be played 3pm tomorrow afternoon at Govind Park.
Story and photo courtesy Fiji FA Media