TWO of Fiji’s traditional football districts have reasons to celebrate, but the mood could hardly be more different.
Ba, the quadruple-title winners, are preparing to welcome their ardent supporters and sponsors for an all-out celebration of their dominance in Fijian football.
The Men in Black have enjoyed a remarkable 2026 season, winning the National Football League, Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants and Inter-District Championship, completing a clean sweep of the country’s four major domestic competitions.
For Nadi, however, the celebrations are of a different kind.
A district that has struggled to maintain its standing in the Super Premier Division for more than a decade has seen its supporters celebrate the resignation of president Mohin Rafiq.
Under his leadership, Nadi gradually lost much of the prestige and fanfare associated with one of Fiji’s traditional football powerhouses.
Instead of challenging for honours, the district appeared content with making up the numbers in tournaments, with performances that frequently fell below expectations.
Ba, on the other hand, has had its own share of problems, including financial difficulties, leadership uncertainty and internal struggles that eventually prompted the Fiji Football Association to call for the appointment of an interim president.
The district won the IDC in 2023 under Amzad Khan, who was serving as interim president. Following his departure, Dr. Diva Singh took over the position but later stepped down amid what was reported as irreconcilable differences with the board.
The tide began to turn when Parneel Dayal assumed the interim presidency in 2025.
He restructured the administration, bringing about changes to the board and giving the district a fresh direction.
The results of that change in leadership are now there for everyone to see.
Ba’s resurgence has been built around a stronger administration, renewed ambition and a commitment to assembling a competitive team.
Dayal’s approach, which has also included attention to player welfare, big signing in the transfer window and bringing Ravinesh Kumar, the country’s best coach to restore belief among supporters and take the district back to the forefront of Fiji football.
Nadi’s story has followed a very different path.
Rafiq, who was elected president more than a decade ago, oversaw a period in which the district struggled to keep pace with the changing standards of domestic football.
Financial constraints and inability to attract quality players left Nadi increasingly vulnerable against its traditional rivals.
Supporters in Fiji and abroad had repeatedly called for a change at the top, but Rafiq remained defiant.
It eventually took the intervention of concerned district stakeholders, including Nadi Chamber of Commerce president Lawrence Kumar and several other prominent figures, who wrote to the Fiji Football Association urging it to intervene and ensure Rafiq vacated his position in the greater interest of Nadi football.
His resignation has since been welcomed by supporters who believe the district needs a fresh start.
But a change of president alone will not restore Nadi’s lost standing.
The district needs a clear vision, a financially sustainable administration, stronger player development and, above all, leadership capable of rebuilding confidence among its supporters and sponsors.
Nadi has a proud football history and a passionate following. Its supporters deserve more than a team that simply turns up to fulfil tournament commitments.
The challenge for the incoming leadership will be to bring back the pride, competitiveness and identity that once made Nadi a formidable force in Fiji football.
Ba’s success offers an example of what decisive leadership, strong finance and a footballing ambition can achieve.
For now, Ba supporters have four major trophies to celebrate, while Nadi fans have a reason to hope for a new beginning.
One district celebrates what it has achieved on the field. The other celebrates the possibility of a better future.
