Chand eyes back-to-back BOG glory

Extra Supermarket Labasa FC coach Alvin Chand is aiming to defend the Extra Battle of the Giants (BOG) title when the tournament kicks off at Govind Park in Ba. Chand, who has been involved with Labasa Football for nearly a decade since 2016, has steadily climbed the coaching ranks. He initially worked with the district's youth teams before being appointed head coach of the senior side in March 2025, succeeding Ravneel Pratap.

His first season at the helm was highly successful, leading the "Babasiga Lions" to both the BiC Fiji FACT title and the Extra Battle of the Giants crown. Last year, Labasa defeated Rewa 2-1 in the BOG final. This year, however, Labasa enters the competition as the defending champions, facing the challenge of every opponent eager to dethrone them.

The team has been drawn into a demanding pool alongside Nasinu, Suva, and Navua, setting the stage for three difficult opening matches. For Chand, another BOG victory would mark a significant milestone in his coaching career, underscoring his progression from developing young talent to leading the senior team to major trophies. The BOG tournament is scheduled from the 4th to the 6th of next month, with semifinals and finals on the 12th and 13th.