THERE are football commentators who make a living calling games.
And then there is Gabby Ramoce.
A teacher by profession and a passionate football fan, the Ba schoolteacher has carved out a unique niche as Ba football’s unofficial social media commentator.
From the bleachers, Ramoce has been streaming Ba’s home matches live, bringing vocals, eccentric catchphrases and unmistakable personality to the commentary.
And he has built a huge audience along the way.
For many Ba supporters, Gabby’s voice has become part of the match-day experience.
His commentary is anything but conventional.
It is lively and often humorous, reflecting the emotions of a passionate supporter rather than the seasoned delivery of a traditional commentator.
But his growing popularity has also attracted attention.
Ramoce revealed that while his coverage extends worldwide, he was recently told by authorities not to carry out live broadcasts of matches.
Despite that setback, his approach has already left its mark.
He may not have a commentary box, a professional microphone or rights to broadcasting, but with a phone, Gabby Ramoce has redefined what football commentary can sound like.
“I just love Ba, we are Ba, its home, I love football and bring the games lives,” he said during Ba’s Extra Premier League winning championship game against Tailevu Naitasiri.
“Supporters of Ba who are at homes, work and not able to travel to games, including in overseas enjoy live stream.”
Ba fan calls for FFA to lift streaming restrictions
Ba football fan Avinesh Naidu believes the Fiji Football Association (FFA) needs to cut the red tape and allow districts to stream their matches live on social media platforms.
Naidu says live streaming can benefit not only supporters but also the districts themselves, creating opportunities to generate advertising and marketing revenue that could be reinvested into football.
“The districts should be allowed to stream their own games. Through advertising and sponsorship, they can generate revenue, and that money can go back into the development of the sport,” he said.
The FFA does not provide live coverage of league matches through its television partners, apart from selected live radio commentary, which Naidu believes does little to serve supporters of other districts.
The issue has also raised questions about consistency.
Ba’s popular social media commentator Gabby Ramona was recently flagged by authorities and told not to carry out future live broadcasts of matches.
However, the New Zealand Fiji Football Incorporated (NZFFI) streamed Ba’s league-winning match against Tailevu Naitasiri, leaving Naidu and supporters questioning whether there is a double standard within the football fraternity.
“Let’s talk about parity, or lack of,” said Naidu.
