Pacific / Fiji

Sport: Team Wellington taking nothing for granted

09:56 am on 19 May 2018

Team Wellington are not taking anything for granted going into Sunday's OFC Champions League finale against Lautoka Football Club.

The New Zealand club thrashed the Fijian champions 6-0 in the first leg in Wellington last week to effectively clinch their maiden title.

Team Wellington celebrate a goal during the grand final first leg. Photo: OFC via Phototek

But goalkeeper Scott Basalaj is adamant they have no plans to ease up in the return match at Churchill Park.

"Every week we want to play our best. With how (coach) José (Figueira) has us playing if we're not doing what we're told and we're messing around a bit it doesn't work at all and it's not enjoyable," he said.

"Basically, we want to enjoy our football and we enjoy it by playing as best as we can and obviously the results have been really good and it's made it even more enjoyable."

Team Wellington goalkeeper Scott Basalaj clears the ball in the first leg vs Lautoka. Photo: OFC via Phototek

Despite completely dominating the first leg, Scott Basalaj said Latuoka have enough attacking threats, such as Benjamin Totori, to always be a threat.

"Even with the island players we do know they can be so unpredictable so we've found that the best approach is just to expect anything from them and it's worked so far. We'll be on our toes again at the weekend and expect anything that they throw at us because they've got nothing to lose really."

Lautoka's Benjamin Totori remains a threat in front of goal. Photo: OFC via Phototek

Lautoka coach Kamal Swamy concedes the home side don't have much hope of a massive turnaround but said they want to finish with a strong performance.

"Of course yes it will be very tough but at least (if) we get a win in the second leg would be a bonus to us and we will go for a win in the second leg."

The Champions League winner will represent Oceania at the FIFA Club World Cup in December.

The OFC Champions League trophy will be awarded in Lautoka. Photo: OFC via Phototek