The Fijian Premier League – Digicel Premier League (DPL) for sponsorship reasons – is the top-tier football league in Fiji. It is organized by the Fiji Football Association and features the best clubs from across the country.
Unfortunately, the league’s start has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Heavy rains have been hitting Fiji, making it impossible for the matches to take place as scheduled. The league was set to kick off on February 19th, with Tailevu Naitasiri facing Ba at Ratu Cakobau Park, Navua playing Nadi at Uprising Resort Ground, Rewa playing Labasa at Ratu Cakobau Park, Tavua playing Suva at Garvey Park, and Nadroga playing Lautoka at Lawaqa Park.
The Fiji Football Association has not yet announced a new date for the postponed matches, but it is expected that they will be rescheduled soon. The delay is undoubtedly frustrating for players, coaches, and fans who were eagerly anticipating the start of the new season, but safety must come first.
This is the second time in nearly two-weeks Fijian football is hit by adverse weather conditions – the Champion vs Champion series first-leg match between Suva and Rewa was forced to be interrupted – the match was later abandoned and the half-time result of 0-0 was taken as final result.
Overall, while the delay of the national league is disappointing, it is important to prioritize the safety of everyone involved as well the quality of the game as most of the pitch surfarces are not in good conditions for the practice of football. Fans will have to wait a little longer to see their favorite teams in action, but hopefully, the matches will be rescheduled soon, and the league can get underway.
Oceania Football Center 