Defending champions Labasa have proved they are the tournament team after winning the 2022 Punjas BOG and are well prepared to defend their title at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. They won four IDC titles at the same venue in 1994, 2011, 2016, and 2020.
They always play with 12 players as their fans are always behind them and for sure the 2022 Courts IDC in Suva which is the second home of Labasa, fans will be out in numbers to back them.
While the Babasiga Lions are drawn in a tough pool with twenty-four times champions Ba, DPL winners Rewa and Lautoka, they have a set of players that can easily click, win matches and see the team progress to the semi-finals from Group B.
They had a slow start this year but they proved they are a strong side after winning the 2022 Punjas BOG in Lautoka a few months back.
The side is laced with capable players like veteran goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau, defenders Taniela Waqa, Iliesa Lino, Ilisoni Lolaivalu, Lekima Gonerau, Sitiveni Rakai, Akeimi Ralulu Sekove Naivakanainumi, midfielders, Ashneel Raju, France Catarogo, and strikers Ratu Apenisa Anare and Christopher Wasasala.
Labasa has a good chance to progress to the semi-finals but it will depend on how the players and coaching panel execute their game plan, follow instructions and utilize their scoring opportunities on the field.
Fitness, dedication, discipline, and commitment will be the key determining factors in the most prestigious tournament of the year for Labasa.
Labasa has won the IDC title five times and finished as a runner- up 3 times.
The Labasa side will open its title defense campaign against Rewa on Wednesday, October 5 at 7.30 pm, taking on Lautoka on Thursday at 7 pm before facing traditional giants Ba in its final pool match on Friday at 6 pm.