HUNDREDS of Ba football fans lined the streets to celebrate the district’s historic quadruple championship victory.
Draped in gold and black, the passionate supporters braved hot and humid conditions as they sang danced their way to the Gujarati Grounds, where the official celebration ceremony was held.
Ba Football Association president Parneel Dayal welcomed dignitaries, players and stakeholders before a raucous crowd.
Overwhelmed with excitement, Dayal admitted the team’s success had come at the cost of long, tiring days and sleepless nights, with his family making significant sacrifices along the way.
“There were a lot of missed dinners, family time and get-togethers. My family stood behind me with all the support,” he said.
Dayal said when he was appointed interim president, he brought together a group of like-minded people to help steer the district in the right direction.
“We believed, everyone believed, and here we are, Ba, strong together,” he said.
He acknowledged making difficult decisions for the good of the team, adding that he had no regrets.
“We changed the coach early in my tenure, and did that worked out well.
“We signed some players for key positions and we started to look promising.”
Dayal said Ba’s triumphs in the National Football League, Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants and Inter District Championship were the result of collective efforts by players, officials and the district’s fiercely loyal supporters.
Guest of honour and Rugby Hall of Fame member Waisale Serevi said he was impressed by Ba’s clean sweep of the major competitions.
“What better way to celebrate? Four championships, now that is no small accomplishment. I can’t be more proud of the Ba football team,” he said.
Serevi urged the players to put God first in everything they do.
“With God, everything is possible.”
He also challenged the players to remain humble, disciplined and respectful, while avoiding drugs and becoming positive role models in their communities.
“Being on the pitch is just 10 percent of what success is. It’s the 90 percent that matters — it’s how you conduct yourself outside of the sport.
“Be those role models, set standards and make sure you live through it,” Serevi said.
The players were recognised for their contribution to Ba’s remarkable quadruple championship-winning season during the celebrations.
