Roy raises roar

BABASIGA cult hero Roy Krishna believes the Lions can roar to victory in this weekend's Inkk Battle of the Giants.

With the expectation of thousands of fans weighing heavily on his shoulders to pull a victory out of thin air, the goal-scoring machine said it can happen with unity of mind and spirit.

Before a jam-packed 7000-plus Labasa crowd at Subrail Park, Krishna tantalised his followers with deft skills before rocketing home a penalty to give Labasa a 1-0 lead against Suva in their Giants opener.

He then promised fans more must come if Labasa is to be crowned Giants on Sunday.

With Esava Naqeleca firing in the equaliser, Krishna said after it was now up to him and fellow Waitakere star Benjamin Totori to lead the young side.

"I salute my team mates for giving all even though they are young," he said.

"Not having a coach should not affect our performance because the team is contributing their views on possible game plans. We don't have the experience but it's the knowledge that counts," he said.

He said they kept it simple against the more experienced Suva side.

"We didn't have an experienced backline so we didn't want to confuse our defenders.

"We just played a sweeper, two centre backs, outer backs, central midfielder and striker."

Totori and Krishna said they struggled with the stark change from the winter of New Zealand to the hot Labasa sun.

"Yes, it is hot compared to the cold we came in from two days ago but we should acclimatise as tournament progresses," Totori said.

"When I came in yesterday they told me it was a young side but today I'm happy with their performance."

"To win we will just have to work hard, put our heads together and see what each game brings."

Krishna said ground conditions proved quite a challenge against Suva.

"Lautoka should have better ground conditions so we are looking forward to the next game."


Source : Solomon Star