03/09/2026
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Khelvin Realtors Lautoka Blues ready to stand tall at 2026 Extra BOG
Khelvin Realtors Lautoka Football President Shalendra Prasad says the Blues will take a game-by-game approach at the 2026 Extra Battle of the Giants as they look to bring major silverware back to Lautoka.
The tournament gets underway at 4R Stadium in Ba this Friday, September 4, with Lautoka drawn in a formidable pool alongside hosts Ba, Rewa and Nadi.
Speaking to Duavata News ahead of the tournament, Prasad also confirmed a major sponsorship boost, with the side to compete as the Khelvin Realtors Lautoka Blues.
“First and foremost, we thank our major sponsors Khelvin Realtors for a timely boost,” Prasad said.
He also acknowledged the club’s co-sponsors and thanked everyone who has continued to support the Blues.
Lautoka heads into the BOG looking to end a major-title drought stretching back to 2024.
Prasad said preparations were focused on giving the side the best possible opportunity to challenge for the title, while acknowledging every team entering the tournament would have the same ambition.
“As always, we will prepare to our best. All the participating teams will enter the BOG to win, likewise the Blues,” he said.
Lautoka showed promise during the Fiji FACT earlier this season but its campaign ended with a semi-final defeat to Navua after the Blues surrendered a lead.
Prasad admitted it was a disappointing result and credited Navua for being the better side on the day.
“It was not our day while playing the semi-final and Navua was a better team on that day,” he said.
He said there were technical aspects of the match Lautoka could have handled better, particularly after taking the lead, describing the eventual defeat as a difficult one for the team.
The Blues subsequently experienced mixed results in the Extra Premier League and finished fourth.
While acknowledging some players did not perform to their full potential during the campaign, Prasad refused to single out individuals for blame.
“We win as a team and we lose as a team. No one is to be blamed,” he said.
Prasad acknowledged Lautoka’s overall performances have not met the club’s expectations but said the focus is now firmly on preparing well and delivering at the BOG.
Discipline has also been an area of concern following incidents that have proved costly for Lautoka in previous competitions.
Prasad said officials have held discussions with the players concerned and stressed the importance of avoiding situations or substances that could jeopardise their participation.
“We have done our part and now it is on the players to stay away from such things,” he said.
Lautoka will be strengthened by the return of experienced defender Epeli Leiroti, something Prasad described as a “plus point” for the Blues.
The squad has also been boosted by two Chilean imports, while experienced coach Batram Suri has been brought in ahead of the tournament.
Prasad expects the overseas players to use their experience to fit into the Lautoka system and make an impact.
Suri, meanwhile, has been handed a challenging assignment with only a short period to prepare the team.
“The coach had only five days to prepare, but with his knowledge, we feel he will bring the best for this tournament,” Prasad said.
He said the coaching staff had been tasked with preparing a winning combination and ensuring every area of the team was addressed before the opening match.
Despite Lautoka’s fourth-place league finish and its wait for another major trophy, Prasad stressed that tournament football presents a different challenge.
He described Lautoka’s group featuring Ba, Rewa and Nadi as the “pool of death” and said there would be no room for complacency.
“We will not underestimate any team because all teams will be tough and we are in the pool of death,” he said.
“We will deal with it game by game and hope for the best outcome.”
Prasad also called on Lautoka supporters to turn out in numbers at 4R Stadium and provide positive backing for the side throughout the tournament.
He stopped short of promising a title but assured supporters the players would be expected to give everything for the famous blue jersey.
“We do not promise anything in advance, but the team will do the best of the best to stand tall where the Blues belong,” Prasad said.
“Do come in numbers to provide positive support to our Blues team and promote the game of football.”
Prasad said football inevitably comes with highs and lows, but stressed that Lautoka would enter the tournament determined to compete for the ultimate prize.
“No team enters any competition to lose. We will try to be the greatest,” he said.
“The officials have done their part to prepare the best and now it is on the players to deliver what is expected.”
He also appealed to critics of the team to recognise the voluntary contribution being made by officials and to support the club constructively.
“Nothing can be achieved overnight, but we are doing our part and likewise the players will do their part. It is teamwork,” Prasad said.
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