KIRIBATI made a remarkable debut at the FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC), claiming the Premier Division title with a 6-1 victory over Seaqaqa in the final at the HFC Bank stadium in Suva yesterday.
Coach Tetabo Manaima praised his players for their determination after a challenging preparation period of just two weeks before travelling to Fiji for the tournament.
Manaima said the team had faced a strong Seaqaqa side but remained committed to giving their best for their country.
“Seaqaqa is very, very strong, but it was a nice game,” he said.
The coach admitted the team had limited time to prepare for the competition but was pleased with the players’ performance and the result.
Kiribati’s success was made more special by the support they received from their community in Fiji, including students from the University of the South Pacific. Manaima thanked the Kiribati community, USP students, pastors and church ministers for their encouragement throughout the tournament.
“Without them, we cannot receive this spiritual today,” he said. He also acknowledged the standard of football in Fiji, describing it as very high compared with what his players were accustomed to back home.
Manaima said the playing conditions were different, with hard, sandy grounds in Kiribati presenting a contrast to the fields in Fiji. Despite the challenges, the team made the most of the opportunity, finishing their first IDC campaign as Premier Division champions.
Kiribati is expected to return home next week, with the players scheduled to resume club football. Manaima said he would welcome opportunities for his players to return to Fiji if local clubs were interested in their talent. The victory provides a significant boost for football in Kiribati and demonstrates the potential for the island nation to compete beyond its shores.
