Fireworks are expected to explode when Ba and Lautoka will clash in the Pillay Garments Champion versus Champion Series at Churchill Park, Lautoka on April 7.
The tournament was launched last Friday at Fiji Football Association Headquarters in Vatuwaqa.
Pillay Garments gave a total of $22,000 sponsorship. A portion will go towards each team’s preparation while $5000 will go to the winner while the runner-up pocket $2500.
Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said they were anticipating a fine display of football, since Ba are back on the scene after missing out on the series last year.
“This tournament, we play at the beginning of every year, is normally between the Inter District Champion and our National League Champion,” Yusuf said.
“But Ba, having won both the IDC (2015) and National League, we decided to look for a challenger which came in the form of Lautoka winning the Battle of the Giants last year. Now we are here with the two western giants playing off and we urge both the fans from Lautoka and Ba to come out in numbers to support both the teams in this important series.”
National head coach Christophe Gamel will be present at the match and said he expects to see real football to be played as he will use the competition to scout for players.
“I am excited and new to this series and it is really good because it provides a platform for me to identify players who will fit in our plan,” Gamel said.
Pillay Garment’s director Narendra Pillay said he was thankful to Fiji FA for providing him the opportunity to sponsor the tournament.
-FFA
