Kiribati have finally won a football match. Forty-seven years after the country first appeared in senior international football, the Kiribati national team produced a result that will have a permanent place in its history, demolishing Alfraaz Security Nadroga FC 6-0 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva and booking a place in the semi-finals ofContinue reading “A win 47 years in the making: Kiribati thrash Nadroga 6-0 at Fiji’s IDC to claim first-ever senior national team victory”
Author Archives: Rafael Saltori
Suva goalkeeper Jason Rokovucake suspended after failed drug test as recurring problem again hits Fiji football
Suva goalkeeper Jason Rokovucake has been suspended after failing a drug test at the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship, with head coach Pita Rabo confirming the case as Fiji football once again faces questions over a problem that has repeatedly surfaced at its major domestic competitions. Rokovucake started Suva’s opening Super Premier match against Labasa atContinue reading “Suva goalkeeper Jason Rokovucake suspended after failed drug test as recurring problem again hits Fiji football”
From Fiji Golden Glove to sudden absence: questions grow over Sevanaia at IDC
Fiji international goalkeeper Isikeli Sevanaia Junior has suddenly disappeared from Ba’s squad at the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship, with his absence attracting particular attention after Fiji FA confirmed that two Super Premier players were among six players suspended following positive drug tests on the tournament’s opening day. Sevanaia was Ba’s starting goalkeeper when the MenContinue reading “From Fiji Golden Glove to sudden absence: questions grow over Sevanaia at IDC”
Rewa book semifinal place as Navua frustrate Ba and Lautoka roar back into IDC contention
The second day of the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship brought the first confirmed semifinalist, a major response from Lautoka and two draws that have left qualification battles alive heading into the final round of the Super Premier group stage. Defending champions Rewa produced the strongest statement of Wednesday’s action at HFC Bank Stadium, defeating LabasaContinue reading “Rewa book semifinal place as Navua frustrate Ba and Lautoka roar back into IDC contention”
From sand pitches to IDC history: Teweia Butibara explains Kiribati’s challenge in Fiji
Kiribati’s first match at the FMF Inter-District Championship produced a historic goal, but for Teweia Butibara, the experience in Suva also exposed the enormous difference between the football environment available to many players at home and the conditions they are now encountering in Fiji. The 27-year-old Butibara scored Kiribati’s first-ever goal at the IDC asContinue reading “From sand pitches to IDC history: Teweia Butibara explains Kiribati’s challenge in Fiji”
Wasasala produces moment of magic as Labasa stun Suva 2-1 in IDC opener
Labasa could hardly have asked for a more dramatic beginning to their 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship campaign. The Babasiga Lions defeated hosts Suva 2-1 at HFC Bank Stadium, with veteran Christopher Wasasala producing a magnificent late winner to secure three crucial points from one of the most difficult fixtures in Group A. The significance ofContinue reading “Wasasala produces moment of magic as Labasa stun Suva 2-1 in IDC opener”
Iosefa says Kiribati can reach Pacific standard after encouraging IDC debut
Kiribati coach Pine George Holomoana Iosefa believes his side showed that they can compete at a higher Pacific level despite their 4-2 defeat, while admitting that defensive mistakes remain the main area to correct before the team’s next appearance. The result came with disappointment, particularly because Kiribati conceded four times, but Iosefa’s assessment was farContinue reading “Iosefa says Kiribati can reach Pacific standard after encouraging IDC debut”
Dogalau dominates in the air as Ba edge Lautoka 2-1 in IDC opener
Etonia Dogalau once again proved decisive for Ba against their western rivals, scoring both goals as the Men in Black defeated Lautoka 2-1 in their opening match of the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. It was a derby decided entirely in the air. Dogalau scored both of Ba’s goals withContinue reading “Dogalau dominates in the air as Ba edge Lautoka 2-1 in IDC opener”
Rewa open IDC title defence with emphatic 5-0 demolition of Nasinu
Defending champions Rewa made an immediate statement at the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship, opening their campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over Nasinu at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Merrill Nand scored twice for the Delta Tigers, while Mohammed Ramzan Khan, Josaia Sela and Epeli Valevou also found the net as Rewa took early controlContinue reading “Rewa open IDC title defence with emphatic 5-0 demolition of Nasinu”
Matt Acton sees Vanuatu differently now — and coaching has become part of his future
Matt Acton originally arrived at Vanuatu United with the profile of a goalkeeper who could bring professional experience to the Pacific’s newest club competition. Less than a year later, his role has become considerably broader. Acton is still a goalkeeper. He is also Vanuatu United’s goalkeeper coach, has worked as goalkeeper coach within the VanuatuContinue reading “Matt Acton sees Vanuatu differently now — and coaching has become part of his future”
