There is still no word from NEL Construction Limited Suva defender Jale Dreloa ahead of the semifinal clash against Labasa in the INKK Mobile Battle of the Giants on Saturday.

Coach Gurjit Singh said Dreloa left the team without a word to anyone after their first pool game against Dreketi last Friday.

“I’m very disappointed with Dreloa’s attitude and behaviour,” Singh said.

“He did not inform anyone at all about leaving and we have not heard anything from him.

“He will definitely not be included in the squad, his behaviour clearly shows he is not interested.”

Dreloa’s absence has not hindered the team’s performance in any way as midfielder Madhwan Gounder has stepped up to replace him.

“I’m happy with Madhwan and how he has performed,” Singh said.

“He usually played in midfield but I put him as a defender and he really stood out in the games against Rewa and Nadi.

“I am happy that when faced with such situations, I still have players who are willing to step up and deliver when it matters the most.”

With a slow start in their pool games last weekend, Singh said they will be doing their best to overcome a tough Labasa side.

“Labasa has a really improved, they started off slow but they picked up towards the end and they have a good set of young players,” Singh said.

“I feel that we didn’t come prepared at the start of the competition but we settled down in the tournament and managed to come away leading our pool.”

Suva play Labasa at 2pm at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, on Saturday. The final will be played on Sunday at 3pm. Edited by Osea Bola

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