LAUTOKA goalkeeper Ali Cem Akbal says soccer fans in Australia have a lot to learn from their Fijian counter parts.

He made the comments after experiencing the electrifying atmosphere at the 70th Courts Homecentres Inter District Championships.

Akbal played a key role in Lautoka’s 1-0 win over Ba in the final on Sunday.

Akbal who was one of the three imports that were part of the victorious Lautoka team and was humbled by the overwhelming support from the fans over the four day tournament.

"It’s a shame we can’t get this sort of support back in Australia,’ quipped Akbal.

"The atmosphere was just awesome. The support was extra ordinary. We are professional players and adapted well when we landed here. It was just like being at home. Lautoka is a professional outfit. The team officials are excellent."

Akbal together with Goran Subara and Nikola Zonjic play for the Bonnyrigg White Eagles Football Club back in Australia.

Akbal said the standard of soccer in Fiji was high.

He said several local players are good enough to secure overseas contracts especially in Asia.

The 26-year-old who only conceded two goals in the tournament said he was delighted to be part of the winning team.

"It is great to win and against the home side," Akbal said.

"I love this country and hope to be back here next year."

Lautoka coach Dennis Singh said overseas players played a crucial role in his combinations.

He said without the three Aussies, Lautoka would have been lacking in some key areas.

"While many people may disagree, my view is that overseas players are needed to lift the profile of such big tournaments here," Singh said.

"In 2005 we had overseas players in the side and won. Many people are of the view that overseas players just come here for a holiday. We have proved them wrong again. These players are professionals. They came here for a task and completed it successfully. If you choose the right players then you cannot go wrong."

Singh the former Ba and Lautoka rep said to beat Ba on their home turf is a huge feat.

"You only can become the champion if you beat the champion," Singh said.

"This is what I told the boys at the start. We kept a low profile and came out on top. In the previous tournaments we were over rated and this put the pressure on the boys. This time the pressure was on Ba and they buckled in front of their fans."

Malakai Waqa scored the winner in the 40th minute.

Though the Blues lost Peni Finau through a red card, the side defended gallantly to lift their second IDC crown in the new millennium.