Men in Black welcome Suri

Listen to this article:

Ba Football Association President Praneel Dayal (left) shaking hands with Solomon Islands football legend Batram Suri (right) after signing him as the new head coach for the 2027 season. picture: BA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION / FACEBOOK.

Ba FC has turned to Solomon Islands football legend Batram Suri to lead the club into the 2027 season, following a remarkable campaign in which the Men in Black swept all four major domestic titles.

Suri takes charge of a side that dominated Fiji football this year, winning the BiC Fiji FACT, Extra Premier League, Extra Battle of the Giants and 86th FMF Inter-District Championship under former coach Ravinesh Kumar.

The appointment marks a new chapter for the western giants, who will be looking to maintain that winning standard under their new coach.

Suri is a familiar name across Pacific football, having represented the Solomon Islands in numerous regional tournaments during his playing career.

His achievements include being named New Zealand Player of the Year in 1996, adding to his reputation as one of the region’s recognised football figures.

Replacing Kumar will be a significant assignment, particularly after the former coach guided Ba to four major titles in a single season. The achievement has set a high benchmark for Suri as he prepares to take charge of the squad.

The challenge will be to build on that success, maintain the club’s competitive edge and prepare the players for another demanding season.

For Ba, the appointment signals a fresh start after a year of silverware, with Suri now responsible for shaping the team’s direction ahead of the 2027 campaign.