LAUTOKA will face an uphill battle against Marist FC of the Solomon Islands when the two teams meet in the O League in Honiara tomorrow.
The clash at Lawson Tama Stadium will see the Blues try to get a debut win in the competition as this is the first time ever the side will play in the competition. The 30-member team selected by Marist FC does not have any imports and all players are from the Solomon Islands.
Lautoka soccer president Shalendra Prasad said they had to be prepared mentally to face the team and its fans in the Solomons. "The crowd will be against us and we will have to focus on our game as it is important."
Lautoka lost its IDC after it lost 0-2 in the final to Navua on Monday.
However, Prasad said the team had decided to put the loss behind them and turn its focus on the O League."We are not playing for Lautoka but for Fiji and we a11re representing Fiji," Prasad said.
The side will travel with 15 players and three ground officials, with only Nahuel Arrate and goalkeeper James Chronopoulous being the two newcomers.
The duo played in the IDC and will continue with the side for the O League.
The other registered players such as Ali Cem Akbal, Nikola Zonjic, Azzeddine Darif, Goran Subara and Wade Oostendorp are expected to be available in November.
The side also has the likes of Esava Naqeleca, Salesh Kumar and Seimata Chillia in its 30-member squad.