LABASA Football Association (LFA) has acquired the services of Ivor Evans as they look to gear up their preparation for the Inter-District Championship (IDC) title defence.
Evans, who is a former national rep, has replaced Epeli Levaci following his dismissal by the association.
LFA secretary Nilesh Lal said they had decided to relieve Levaci of his "duties as coach because of consistent poor performance in that role".
The Babasiga Lions lost to super premier minnows Savusavu 0-3 in the Fiji Sun/GP Batteries National Football League shocker over the weekend.
Lal said Canada-based Evans, who was also a former Labasa rep, was keen to guide the team through to the IDC next month.
He said the former Vancouver 86ers player was providing his services free.
"We are fortunate to acquire the services of Ivor Evans who is a distinguished player and has immense technical expertise in soccer," he said.
"In fact Evans is a former Labasa resident and has come back on an extended vacation. He will be here until the end of October, which means he will be guiding the team through the IDC.
"He is a former Labasa player and has Labasa at heart. He wants to give something back to the team and is not charging us any fee for his services."
Lal said Levaci's termination would not affect the morale of the team.
He said the players agreed to play under any mentor appointed by the association.
"When we brought in key players during the transfer window, the players agreed that they will play regardless of who is coaching," Lal said.
"We made the decision after contemplating on many things and we make decisions which are in the best interest of the association."
Lal has asked the Labasa soccer fans to rally their support behind the team. Evans will join the team from today.