The Rooster National Club Championship (NCC) defending champions Civic Football Club of Suva expects tough competition in the playoffs at Govind Park, Ba this weekend.
Club president Ritesh Pratap said the inclusion of new teams and the top clubs from the west would make it difficult for them.
“It has been yet another great achievement for the club to once again qualify for the playoffs and go out there and defend out title,” Pratap said.
“The competition this year has gone beyond what we expected; it has definitely been tougher especially with the two new teams.
“Nakasi Lions and Chelsea FC have had a good run over the weekend and they are teams that we will not be taking lightly, as well as the teams from the west as well who have proved to be tough contenders.”
Pratap said goalkeeper Ulaiasi Tamanisau will most likely feature for the team.
Meanwhile, All Freight Logistics Bureta FC president Sunil Karan said they had a few injuries in the team.
“This is our second year in the NCC and we are going in to do our best,”Karan said.
“Our aim is to go further and make it into the final.
The fixtures for the NCC will be announced today by Fiji Football Association.