Dreketi end 17-year wait for IDC Senior Division title with victory over Bua

Dreketi FC have been crowned champions of the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship Senior Division after defeating fellow Vanua Levu side Bua FC 1-0 in Sunday’s final at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. A second-half goal from Viliame Koroikarawa secured the trophy for the Northern district, ending a 17-year wait since their previous triumph in 2009.

The final remained goalless throughout the opening 45 minutes, with both teams looking to claim one of Fiji’s traditional football honours. Dreketi eventually broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when Koroikarawa found the net following a move through midfield. Bua pushed for an equaliser but could not break through, allowing Dreketi to celebrate their first IDC Senior Division title since 2009.

Coached by Ravinesh Singh, Dreketi entered the final having produced an impressive campaign. They opened the group stage with a 3-1 victory over Lami before defeating Bua by the same scoreline. A place in the semi-finals followed, where they overcame Taveuni 3-0 to advance to the championship decider.

The victory also carries particular significance after Dreketi came close to winning the competition two years earlier. In the 2024 final, they were beaten by Rakiraki in a dramatic penalty shootout, losing 8-7 after a goalless encounter. This time, Dreketi returned to the final and completed the job, adding another chapter to the district’s football history.

Following the match, Singh praised his players for following the team’s game plan in a difficult final. The coach highlighted the importance of the achievement after 17 years without the title and acknowledged the contribution of the club’s supporters and sponsors, including Shah Group of Companies.

The triumph also brought Dreketi a FJ$3,500 winners’ prize, while runners-up Bua received FJ$1,500. For Dreketi, however, the greatest reward was the opportunity to take the Senior Division trophy back to Vanua Levu after nearly two decades.