Defending Battle Of the Giants champs, Ba is cool, calm and collected ahead of its opening feature match against archrivals Labasa this evening.

The Vodafone Men In Black are keeping a low profile entering the tournament and are looking forward to an fiercely contested game when they take on the Lions at the Luacala Oval in the feature match of day one.

Ba president Rishi Kumar says they have prepared well for the tournament well and are waiting eagerly for their matches to commence.

“We have prepared thoroughly for the tournament and will be out to defend our title, said Kumar.

“Been the defending champs, there is a lot of pressure on the team to perform and the boys know this and have prepared accordingly.

“Coach Yogendra Dutt has worked hard with the boys and with the current pool of players, we are confident of our chances.

“We are in a tough pool and will be taking on the games as they come and do not want to make any judgement or predictions as all teams come to tournaments well prepared and should not be under estimated.

“Our strikers Tuimasi Manuca and Maveliko Nakama are carrying injuries and are likely to miss the Labasa match but the rest of the boys are fit and raring to go” he added.

US bound Shamil Rao is also a doubtful starter for the Men In Black as he is believed to be waiting for his ITC.

With the return of kingpin midfielder Roneel Kumar, Ba boasts one of the best midfield pack in the tournament as the side has the likes of former Labasa rep Pita Bolaitoga, Malakai Tiwa. Avinesh Swamy, Joshua Wilson, Alvin Singh, Kiniviliame Naika, Ronald Lawrence and Rao.

Olympian Maciu Dunadamu and Josaia Bukalidi alongside Manuca and Nakama will form the deadly strike force upfront.

Vodafone Ba plays Vodafone Labasa in the feature match of the day tomorrow at 7.30pm.


Fijilive

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