Soccer fever | Ba town welcomes IDC in style

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Labasa’s Christopher Wasasala and Nadi’s Brendan McMullen battle for possession during their FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC) pool match at the 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba yesterday. The Lions proved too strong for the Jetsetters, winning 2-0. Picture: REINAL CHAND

The FMF Inter District Championship made a thrilling return to 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba yesterday after a 10-year hiatus, and it was worth the wait.

The newly renovated, state-of-the-art stadium, which boasts the highest grandstand capacity in Fiji at 9,200 seats, welcomed players, officials, and fans from across the country, creating a festive and electric atmosphere.

With perfect weather and freshly marked roads lined with Ba soccer banners, flags, and billboards, the whole town came alive.

The opening day of the tournament didn’t disappoint. Around 1,500 fans turned up for the first two super premier division matches, with crowd numbers growing steadily throughout the day.

A sold-out grandstand was expected for the day’s feature match between hosts RC Manubhai Ba and Vantex Solutions Navua.

Stratum Construction Rewa made a statement in the opening game with a dominant 6-0 victory over Partlink Automotive/Star Pools/Manasa Export/Equipment Express Nadroga.

The Delta Tigers looked sharp from the first whistle.

In the second match, Extra Supermarket Labasa overcame AAAK and Esy Kool Air Conditioning Nadi 2-0 in a hard-fought contest.

Despite creating more chances, Nadi struggled to find the net.

The third match of the evening saw Power Volt Suva take on 4R Lautoka under the lights in a competitive showdown.

Today’s fixtures promise more action: Nadi faces Suva at 2pm, Rewa meets Navua at 4pm, Labasa plays Lautoka at 6pm, and hosts Ba close the day against Nadroga at 8pm.

The return to Ba has brought life, passion, and top-tier football back to a proud district, and fans are loving every moment.