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Opinions / Analysis

When Ba dominates any competition like the way they did in the Champions League last week then others just have to move over and make way.

It is a sign of good things to come.

The 2012 Pillay’s Garments Champions League crown was always Ba’s to lose considering the substandard quality of opposition it faced and the giants of Fiji soccer did not disappoint even when it was virtually impossible to put up anything constructive in the mud bath at Ratu Cakobau Park.

Three wins from as many 90-minute matches in as many days with five goals for and none against is a strong indication that it will be extremely difficult for teams to stop Ba from claiming the invincible tag similar to  2006  epoch when they conquered everything.

Ba can definitely do it again. If the Fiji FACT and Battle of the Giants are also played over 90minutes then rival teams will have a limited chance. This year the strongest challenge for Ba should come from Suva and Nadi because Rewa simply can’t be competitive without its Solomon imports, Lautoka has decided that developing own players is best and there seems to be a lot of trouble going on up north.

For the past 10years, the balance of riches in Fiji soccer has been constantly shifting. It started with Navua, moved to Lautoka, Rewa and then Labasa. Now it seems Suva and Nadi have all the cash to splash for tournament glories but this time the rules of engagement have been altered a bit as only the IDC is certain to feature 60-minute matches. It will be interesting to see which team can secure ace playmaker Alvin Avinesh’s signature. Top defender Samu Kautoga, who last played for Labasa, is another influential player on the move. If both players sign for any one team be it Suva, Nadi or even Lautoka then Ba can expect a stiffer challenge.

Ba will benefit greatly by the timely return of Tailevu native Osea Vakatalesau as he will provide the much needed thrust that has been missing up front.

The possible signing of Tavua golden boy Jone Salauneune and the consistency of Ra talisman Malakai Tiwa means they will have a fearsome attack this year.  Ba also has young forwards like Peter Hughes, Josefata Neibuli, Kitione Tabaiwalu, Ratu Vula Veidogo, Isimeli ‘Narsaia’ Naresia and Laisenia Raura to fall back on. Tuimasi Manuca is an experienced striker as well.

Young playmaker Rinal Prasad has come of age too. Together with the likes of Roneel Kumar, Niumaia Tagi, Kiniviliame Naika and Daniel Krishneel, Ba should not have problems in the middle either. There are also two exceptional dead-ball specialists in utility Avinesh Swamy and left back Marika Madigi.

Another plus point is that coach Yogen Dutt has finally come to his senses and realised that he can no longer bank on veteran Malakai Kanihewe.Dutt must be applauded for putting Kanihewe on the bench in the Champions League as it worked for them. During his prime Kanihewe has been second to none but his form last year was poor and the entire team often paid the price for his misdemeanours. Tavua youngster Remeru Tekiata has come through the development ranks and should be utalised more as he is full of promise and quality.  With players like Alvin Singh, Manueli Kalou and Jone Vesikula, Ba’s central defence looks rock-solid as well.

Goalkeeping is the only area of concern that needs immediate attention otherwise the squads very balanced. Ba can never fully rely on Jone Ralulu. If Ba can sign top players from Tavua then there’s nothing stopping them from signing Labasa’s Akuila Mateisuva or even Simione Tamanisau from Rewa. Fiji U-20 reserve goalkeeper Epeli Loanakadavu is another viable option.

Ba need not prove anything more in Fiji soccer. They need to look beyond now as the next stage awaits them. There is so much to achieve at regional level.

But Ba’s chance of even qualifying for the2011-2012 O-League final is virtually zero. It has three points from three matches and Roy Krishna’s Waitakere United is unbeaten with maximum nine points.

However, on the flipside, Ba has once experienced playing in an O-League final and also come close to winning it.  The focus now has to be on winning the 2012-2013 O-League since they have already qualified.

For a start, Ba needs two reliable goalkeepers.

To make it that far and beyond, the remaining three formality matches of the 2011-2012 O-League should be used to give breaks to players like Rinal, Tekiata, Neibuli, Hughes, Ratu Vula and Raura so they are ready to rumble when it’s crunch time. At every possible opportunity available, Ba must request for the expertise of Juan Carlos Buzzetti and Farouk Janeman to build and improve the team’s technical play.  Now is also the time to build and perfect various combinations. Between now and then, player and injury management will be crucial. Fiji FA should seriously consider allowing Ba the free use of Govind Park for training. It is the team’s home ground after all.   Fitness is another key aspect that needs urgent attention. Individual players should be regularly counselled by officials so that they toughen up mentally and are able to handle the pressure that comes with big games.

With proper planning, it’s possible for Ba to win the next O-League and qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup. Only then will it be more appropriate to say again, and again ‘Ba toh Ba hai’. (Ba is Ba).