The Fiji Football Association (FFA) will only allow certified coaches to be in charge of district teams next year,

FFA president Rajesh Patel made the confirmation yesterday during Labasa’s Courts Inter-District Championship victory celebration.

Thousands of fans lined the streets of Labasa Town and converged at Subrail Park to meet their heroes and appreciate their contribution.

Labasa beat Ba 2-1 in the final at the ANZ Stadium last Monday.

“Labasa coach Ronil Lal has been with the national Under-20 as an assistant coach,” Patel said.

“Lal received coaching education and has B licence which made a great difference for the district.

“The Babasiga Lions attempted but in vain to win Vodafone Fiji FACT and the INKK Battle of the Giants tournaments without a coach.

“We will only allow certified coaches to be on the benches and not anybody without coaching certificate.

“I congratulate Labasa for winning the biggest tournament of the year. You are a true king of football in the country.”

Patel also donated $1500 to the Lions.

“Having a business in Labasa, I would like to show my appreciation by contributing $1,500 to the celebration.”

Labasa Football Association vice-president Varun Anand thanked Patel for his kind contribution.

Special administrator of Labasa Town Council Vijay Chand applauded the team for winning the IDC for the fourth time.

Meanwhile, Labasa midfielder Pita Bolaitoga thanked fans, officials, sponsors and families for their support.

Future Plans for Labasa

Patel confirmed the 2017 INKK Battle of Giants will be staged in Labasa.

“Nothing stops FFA to bring the Courts IDC to Labasa,” Patel said.

“Once we start with the ground breaking ceremony of the FFA academy at Naqai in Labasa, it will give us the opportunity to bring the IDC to Labasa because FFA needs three grounds for IDC.

“This is something we are looking forward to.

“The academy will be named after late Sheik Ibrahim. I am aware about the relocation of the Subrail Park, however, that will not stop the development of football in the North,” he said.

“We have a development officer in Labasa and once the academy is ready you will see more development officers.”