Lal says the competition will give a good indication of how much work each side has put in during pre-season.
“The CvC is the season opener and it will be interesting to see the fitness of the players. Since the year started, players have had only 13 to 14 days to try to get back to their peak level. Fitness will play a key role in these matches,” Lal said.
The CvC series, sponsored by Pillay Garments, will officially launch the Fiji Football Association 2010 season. The series will kick of this Sunday at 3pm at Churchill Park when hosts Lautoka square off against Southern giants Navua.
The 26-year-old Ba defender says the new CvC format, which will see three teams (Ba, Navua, Lautoka) compete instead of just two, is a major boost to the series which started back in 1993.
“Competition is going to be really stiff. Three champion district teams will be participating where no one would like to lose. Fans can expect some high standard football over next few weeks,” he said.
Lal, who was part of the Ba side which won the 2009 Inkk Mobile Battle of Giants tournament, says he is striving for some personal goals.
“Last year I did not perform so well. I missed some crucial matches and fans may not have been happy with my performance. I aim to give my best shot this year and prove myself.
“Training for the CvC has been going well and the Ba boys are looking forward to the match.”
Ba play their opening match against Lautoka next Wednesday night at 7pm at Churchill Park.
CvC Fixtures
17th Jan 2010
Lautoka-Navua
Churchill Park at 3pm
20th Jan 2010
Lautoka-Ba
Churchill Park at 7pm
22nd Jan 2010
Ba-Navua
Govind Park at 7pm
24th Jan.2010
Navua-Lautoka
TFL National Stadium at 3pm
29th Jan 2010
Navua-Ba
TFL National Stadium at 7pm
31st Jan 2010
Ba-Lautoka
Govind Park at 3pm
Story and photo courtesy Fiji FA Media