LIVEWIRE Savusavu striker Sushil "Baba" Chand scored in the second spell to lift Savusavu to a close 1-0 win over Rakiraki at Ratu Ganilau Park yesterday.
The Savusavu soccer community was on a high yesterday, especially since the feat yesterday saw the team staking a claim again in the promotion-relegation after a lapse of 12-years.
The win yesterday sees Savusavu on its way to face Super Premier points table tail enders Nadroga next week on home ground in Savusavu.
Team director Hussain Ali said the win was a culmination of hardwork this year.
"It has taken us this long, 12 years to date to be able to contest for promotion-relegation again because we have a new set of committed young officials this year,'' said Hussain.
"We face Nadroga here on homeground next week, and we hope for a bigger crowd.
"Today fitness was on Rakiraki's side but we held on and turned around the 1-all draw from last week.
Rakiraki for the second week in a row could not find the form that won them the IDC title just last month. Last week they both drew 1-all, but yesterday Savusavu was the attacking team.
Savusavu soccer president Javid Hussain praised the Viliame Ropate captained team which have rejuvenated soccer spirits in the town.
"Today we had over 1,000 cheering fans, I have not seen this for the past 12 years, we are thankful for the support.
"Before we only get maybe 50 or 100 people watching soccer here, today our players were really motivated to perform.
Savusavu struck in a goal in the first half but the goal was disallowed.
Chand struck in again 33 minutes into the second half following numerous phases of spirited attacks by the hosts.
Ropate said it was a good game but was filled with many lost opportunities as well.
"We had more chances but we did not use it,'' said Ropate.
"Against Nadroga next week, we will have to do better because they have experience.
"What we have is home support and spirit."
The promotion-relegation will be staged in a home-and-away format.
