Undisputed Fiji football champions Ba, go into the second and deciding leg of the champion versus champion series this weekend with an unchanged side that played Suva last weekend.
Stalwart coach Yogen Dutt has stuck to his guns and retained the same combination that was held to a 1-1 draw Suva adding that this week’s training has been focussed on improving on his side’s finishing.
Dutt said this was an aspect of their game that they struggled with against Suva and he hopes his boys will stand up to the challenge and make everything they have gone through at training count on Sunday.
Veteran Josaia Bukalidi will retain his captaincy role in the side and will lead his men to battle against a confident Suva outfit.
The 2006 Fiji FA Player of the year will be assisted by old war horses Peni Finau, Malakai Kanahewe and Kini Viliame.
The second and final round of the CVC kicks off at 3pm on Sunday at Ba’s Govind Park.
The return of key defenders Akariva Dau and Rupeni Tabua has boosted Suva’s chances ahead of Sunday’s crucial champion versus champion fixture against Ba at Govind Park.
Suva coach Zulfiker Khan says unlike last Saturday he has a squad strong enough to beat Ba on its own turf.
“Last week’s 1-1 draw was a moral booster for us but with the return of key players I’m confident of a win.”
“It will be an interesting encounter because both teams are at full strength,” he said.
“For us this game is the chance to prove that Ba is beatable especially after we lost in the finals of the Battle of the Giants and IDC.”
Returning to the side apart from Tabua and Dau are deadly striker Joseph Namariau and ace Maciu Dunadamu.
“Defence was a bit of concern last week but with the return of Tabua and Akariva I’m sure we can keep Ba at bay,” Khan said.
“In front of their own fans pressure will be on the Ba defence because the Vanuatu strikers have the skills and pace to do damage and we also have a good ball distributor in Saimata Chillia.”
Suva skipper Inosi Cava, Tupou Tagiduadua, Apisai Smith and Fiji U20 midfielder Maleli Nakalavolevu who restricted Ba kingpin Roneel Kumar’s role in the first leg will be players to watch in the White jumper.
Sunday’s return leg is scheduled for 3pm at Govind Park.