THE IDC pools were drawn on Thursday. Surprisingly the premier division pools have remained unchanged except that Dreketi, newcomers to the premier division, have replaced Tailevu Naitasiri in pool A.
Courts has added an additional $5k to raise the sponsorship to $120k in their 16th year of sponsorship.
This shows their commitment to soccer and the faith they have in the leadership at FFA.
The two-week soccer tournament is expected to raise interest among soccer fans.
Whether we like it or no, expect a bumper crowd at Ba’s Govind Park when the second round gets started.
I confidently hope that Fiji FFA will get the opening round to the Southern Division to reward its fans here who will also get a chance to support Suva, Rewa, Dreketi and Labasa.
The senior division will welcome teams that once competed in the premier division and include giants Tavua, Navua, Nasinu, Savusavu, Nadogo and Tailevu Naitasiri who were demoted from the top flight. Dreketi have been thrown in a pool of death having to compete against Suva, Lautoka and Nadi.
Whatever the outcome is, let’s support our teams. Primary and secondary schools will also battle for top honours.
I am happy that Fiji FFA president Rajesh Patel has announced that ticket prices will be minimal. He will also face rivalry in the presidential election.
I will leave it to the districts to decide but I am confident that they will elect the best candidate who can take Fiji soccer forward.
Under Mr Patel’s leadership, Fiji has played at an under-20 World Cup, something we had dreamt about. Our Olympian team will feature in next year’s Rio Olympic Games.
Just a little bit more effort at youth level and the completion of district club competition and Fiji is sure to hit top gear and rise in international rankings.
