The present year is not being so good to Ba. The Men in Black made a vexing campaign in the OFC Champions League and they failed to reach the final of Battle of the Giants and Inter-District Championship by being eliminated in the semi-finals of both tournaments.
In addition, many players have left the club – including legendary midfielder Avinesh Suwamy who joined Nadi – while Manasa Nawakula and Saula Waqa were suspended after failing a drug test in August. However, this horror movie script may still have a happy ending as the team coached by Ronil Kumar is still alive in Vodafone Premier League’s title race.
Currently in the third position in Vodafone Premier League – the top tier league from Fiji – the Men in Black are three points behind current leaders Rewa with only three rounds to go. The team coached by Ronil Kumar still has the chance to win the national league for the second straight year (and for the fourteenth time in twenty years).
Despite being used to lifting trophies year in and year out, winning the national league this year will be something special as Ba’s current squad is very young. Head coach Ronil Kumar and experienced players like Abbu Zahid, Ilimotama Jese and Samuela Drudru need more than ever to take the reins of the team for Men in Black to win the title.
Their next challenge is going to be next week against Nadi at Fiji FA Academy – the first of the three battles until the end of the league. You can check the full schedule of the remaining matches of 2020 Vodafone Premier League by clicking here.
Oceania Football Center 