The Rewa football team are coming out to beat the odds as they defend the Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants title at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori on Friday.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Rewa coach Marika Rodu said the pressure is on them to do something spectacular and retain the title for the third year in a row.

“Looking at the squad that we have we can’t say that we are confident but I can say we are pressured to do very well in this tournament,” Rodu said.

“One being that we are the host and second is that we are the defending champions.

“We’ve done this last year being the host and defending the title since 2014. But this year it’s going to be tough.

“Hardly a team hold on to a title for more than two years and all teams are coming up to grab the title away from us so we are trying to improve on our fitness and stay focused on every game that will come.”

Rodu said the team have been preparing well and have reduced their training sessions as they are days away from the tournament.

“We have done our best so far till the end of yesterday, we’ve reduced the level of sessions this week so we will be having one session and reducing the work load on the players.

“But all in all the players look fit and have responded well in training. We have set our target for the B.O.G.

“We will take 18 players to this tournament. So far we haven’t had any major injuries.

“The boys returning from Rio have had a fitness test and they are pretty much in shape and have also recovered,” he said.

Rodu also commended their supporters for not giving up on the team which has been a morale booster for them.

“We are fortunate to get the support of our fans. Our fans are a unique bunch as they have been there in numbers all the time despite the fact that we fail to perform at times.

“We really disappointed them after we lost in the semi-finals of the Fiji Fact.

“But with good faith they have been sticking with us.

“For the team I think that is something positive and we are looking forward to returning that favour to our fans,” he added.

Rewa Registered Players (B.O.G)- Benito Waqavou, Peniame Drova, Lorima Dau, Simione Maikali, Josateki Tamudu, Mitieli Namuka, Usaia Tadau, Jonetani Buksh, Iosefo Verevou, Savenaca Nakalevu, Misaele Draunibaka, Tevita Waranivalu, Joseph Mishra, Epeli Saukuru, Paula Buke, Amani Makoe, Posiano Kalisito, Bruce Hughes, Savenaca Baledrokadroka, Simione Tamanisau.

Team Officials- Sanjay Patel (Acting President), Rohitesh Prasad (Secretary), Ravikash Chand (Treasurer), Vikash Prasad (Manager), Marika Rodu (Coach), Mohinesh Prasad (Team Director), Lawrence Nath (Official), Peter Cecil (Official)

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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