Labasa FC is aiming to defend its BiC Fiji FACT title when the 2026 tournament kicks off at Subrail Park in June, with president Shaheen Hussain saying the side is ready to handle growing expectations in the North.
Hussain, who leads the Babasiga Lions after taking over from long-time administrator Rayaz Khan, says the responsibility extends beyond administration, as the club carries the hopes of a football-mad district.
He says tournament football presents a different challenge, where pressure often reshapes outcomes regardless of league form.
Labasa enters the tournament as defending champions after winning the 2025 BiC Fiji FACT in dramatic fashion, defeating Rewa on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the final.
Labasa last won the Fiji FACT on home soil in 1992, a milestone still remembered by long-time supporters.
The side is now chasing back-to-back titles and, despite losing several key players following last season, Labasa has remained competitive and currently leads the Extra Premier League standings after 10 rounds.
Labasa’s strong start has kept it ahead of Ba and Lautoka in a closely contested league race.
The team has recorded six wins, three draws and just one loss, scoring 20 goals and conceding eight.
Coach Alvin Chand has been credited with bringing structure and discipline to the squad, while team manager Ravinesh “Rabba” Chand has also been highlighted as a key figure behind the scenes.
The Fiji FACT returns to Labasa this year and, for the North, hosting the tournament means far more than sport; hotels fill quickly, businesses benefit, families travel from surrounding areas, and Subrail Park transforms into one of the country’s loudest football venues.
The official pool draw for the tournament will be conducted this Saturday.
The 2026 BiC Fiji FACT pool matches will be held from 19th to 21st June, while the semi-finals and final will be held the following weekend.
