Rescheduled Round Two Matches Could Shake Up EPL Standings
The rescheduled Round Two fixtures of the Extra Premier League this Sunday could significantly reshape the standings as several teams remain closely packed at the top of the table. Extra Supermarket Labasa FC currently leads the standings with seven points, level with Dayal’s Sawmillers Ba FC, but holds the top position due to a superior goal difference. Ba will have the opportunity to challenge for the top spot when it meets Nasinu FC at 3pm at 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba. However, if both Labasa and Ba win their respective matches, Labasa will likely remain at the top unless Ba records a bigger winning margin to overturn the current goal difference gap. Meanwhile, Stratum Construction Rewa FC could also enter the title picture. If Rewa defeats Labasa at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori and Ba fails to win against Nasinu, the defending champions could climb to the top of the standings. For Nasinu FC, a win over Ba would provide a valuable boost and could see them move further up the table. Ratu Cakobau Park will host a double header, with Tailevu Naitasiri FC facing Lautoka FC at 12pm, followed by the clash between Rewa FC and Labasa FC at 2pm. The Tagimoucia Nadi FC versus Suva FC match will be played at a later date due to the unavailability of King Charles Park in Nadi. Following this weekend’s matches, the Extra Premier League will go into a break and resume after the Easter holidays, making Sunday’s results crucial in shaping the early race for the title.
Fiji Among First in Oceania to Launch FIFA Arena Mini Football Pitch
Fiji has achieved a major milestone in football development with the opening of the FIFA Arena Mini Football Pitch at AD Patel College in Ba, making the country one of the first recipients of the initiative in the Oceania region.a Speaking during the opening, Fiji Football Association Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf expressed gratitude to the school for supporting the project and acknowledged FIFA’s leadership in bringing the initiative to life. “Fiji FA is grateful that AD Patel College provided the foundation for this FIFA Arena project. On behalf of our President Rajesh Patel, the board and the entire Fijian football fraternity, I would like to thank FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his leadership and for introducing the FIFA Arena initiative,” Yusuf said. He explained that the FIFA Arena project is part of FIFA President Infantino’s vision to build 1,000 mini football pitches annually across FIFA’s 211 member associations, ensuring children and communities have safe and accessible spaces to play football. “His vision is that every year FIFA will build 1,000 mini football pitches around the world so that children, school students and communities can enjoy quality facilities in a safe environment while learning and playing the game,” Yusuf said. Yusuf said Fiji was honoured to be selected as the first recipient of the FIFA Arena project in Oceania, acknowledging the support of FIFA Regional Director for Asia & Oceania Sanjeevan Balasingam and the FIFA development team based in Auckland. “We are very privileged that FIFA chose Fiji to be the first recipient of this project in the Oceania region. It is a great milestone achievement for football in our country,” he said. He revealed that the Fiji FA had initially identified eight potential locations across the country before narrowing the selection to three shortlisted schools: AD Patel College in Ba, Suva Muslim College in Suva, and Saraswati College in Nausori. According to Yusuf, AD Patel College was selected after the school management worked diligently to prepare the required foundation for the installation of the FIFA Arena mini-pitch. “The school management, led by Principal Mr. Ravin, worked very hard to ensure the base was prepared so the project could proceed, and we sincerely acknowledge their commitment and support,” he said. Yusuf also confirmed that Suva Muslim College is the second recipient of the FIFA Arena project in Oceania, with its official opening expected to take place at a later date. He also acknowledged the support of the Ba Football Association and the wider community, noting Ba’s long-standing reputation as one of Fiji’s strongest football regions. “Ba is known as a football town in Fiji. From young players to legendary footballers, many household names in Fijian football have come from this area, and the way Ba Football Association continues to structure and develop the sport bodes well for the future of football in this region,” Yusuf said. The FIFA Arena initiative aims to strengthen grassroots football worldwide by providing safe and modern mini football pitches that encourage participation among children, schools and local communities.
Historic First FIFA Arena Mini Pitch Opens in Oceania at AD Patel College
The FIFA Arena Mini Football Pitch at AD Patel College in Ba has been officially inaugurated, marking a historic milestone as the first FIFA Arena facility in the Oceania region. Speaking during the opening ceremony, FIFA Regional Director for Asia & Oceania Sanjeevan Balasingam congratulated all stakeholders who contributed towards delivering the project. “It is a great privilege to be here with you to inaugurate this FIFA Arena mini pitch, the first of its kind in Oceania. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed their time, effort, resources and commitment in making this possible. Projects like this do not happen without the dedication of many people. Like on the pitch, it is a team sport and a team effort,” Balasingam said. He also acknowledged that Suva Muslim College has completed its own FIFA Arena pitch, making the two facilities the first FIFA Arena mini pitches in the Oceania region. “We also recognise Suva Muslim College, which has completed its own FIFA Arena pitch. Combined, these FIFA Arena pitches are the first in Oceania,” he said. Balasingam highlighted the strong strategic direction of the Fiji Football Association, noting that the federation’s Totolo Futupolo framework has established a clear football development pathway for the country. “Through the Totolo Futupolo framework, Fiji FA has created a clear football curriculum and development pathway that is already producing tangible results across the football ecosystem, including the historic qualification of various national youth teams to FIFA competitions,” he said. He also acknowledged the ongoing investment in football infrastructure in Fiji, including the development of the Fiji FA headquarters in Suva, the Ba Academy of Football, and the upcoming Labasa Football Academy. Balasingam said the FIFA Arena initiative complements the Fiji FA’s long-term vision for football development. “Under the leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the global ambition is to build 1,000 mini pitches to ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has access to a safe and high-quality place to play the beautiful game and give every talent a chance,” he said. He added that FIFA Arena pitches are designed to serve as community spaces that promote development beyond football. “These FIFA Arena pitches are more than just pieces of infrastructure. They are spaces where communities gather, where young people learn teamwork and discipline, where health and well-being are strengthened and where the dreams of the next generation can begin,” Balasingam said. Addressing the students and youth in attendance, Balasingam encouraged them to make the most of the new facility. “To the students and youth of Fiji and to the communities around this school, this is your arena. Dream big, play fair, support each other and enjoy every moment on this field,” he added.
LABASA LEAD TIGHT EXTRA PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE AFTER ROUND 4
Labasa FC remains on top of the Extra Premier League standings after Round 4 following their convincing 3–1 win over Tagimoucia Nadi FC at Subrail Park. The Babasiga Lions sit on 7 points from three matches, level with Dayal’s Sawmillers Ba FC, but lead the table on superior goal difference (+7). Labasa also boasts the best defensive record in the league, conceding only one goal so far while scoring eight. Ba FC are second with the same points but a slightly lower goal difference (+4) after their 2–1 win over Suva FC at Govind Park. Defending champions Stratum Construction Rewa FC moved up to third place with six points after their dramatic 2–1 victory over Nasinu FC, while Lautoka FC sit fourth with five points following their 1–1 draw with Navua FC. Suva FC, Nasinu FC and Nadi FC are all tied on four points, separated only by goal difference, showing how tight the middle of the table has become. Further down the standings, Navua FC has four points but from four matches, while Tailevu Naitasiri FC picked up their first point of the season after their 3–3 draw with Nadroga FC. Coastal Rental Cars Nadroga FC remains at the bottom of the table with one point from four matches and the league’s weakest defensive record, having conceded 14 goals so far. With several teams separated by only a few points, the Extra Premier League title race remains wide open as the competition heads into the next round.
FIFA Workshop Strengthens Financial Governance for Member Associations
A FIFA Financial Governance Workshop aimed at strengthening financial management within Oceania football organisations was recently held at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort. FIFA Member Associations Finance Services Manager Manuel Moreira, who is originally from Portugal and based in Paris, said the workshop forms part of FIFA’s global initiative to support member associations. “This financial governance workshop is an initiative that we at FIFA organise all over the world,” Moreira said. He explained that while FIFA provides significant financial assistance to its member associations, the organisation also focuses on strengthening governance and financial management skills. “A big part of the support that FIFA gives to member associations is financial support, but our aid goes beyond this financial part,” he said. Moreira said the workshop was designed to equip football administrators with the tools and knowledge needed to better manage resources and further develop football in their respective countries. Key topics discussed during the workshop included procurement processes, conflicts of interest, budgeting, planning, and the transfer of funds to clubs, leagues and regional associations. The topics were selected based on findings from FIFA’s central audit review, ensuring the programme was tailored to address the needs and challenges faced by member associations in the region. Participants were guided through practical examples of planning and budgeting processes, beginning with departmental activity planning and moving to determining funding requirements and maintaining effective communication between departments and leadership. The workshop also featured group exercises and case-study scenarios, allowing member associations to collaborate in identifying solutions and developing ideas that can be applied within their organisations. Moreira acknowledged that while the passion for football across the region remains strong, some associations continue to face challenges such as limited staffing and gaps in financial expertise. However, he highlighted the Fiji Football Association as a positive example of progress. “The work that the Fiji Football Association has been doing over the last five to ten years is remarkable,” he said. Moreira noted that Fiji FA has implemented several strategic objectives and is gradually becoming more independent from FIFA’s financial support while strengthening its operational activities. He added that Fiji’s progress has inspired other member associations to adopt similar approaches to improve governance and financial management. “At the end of the day, this is what FIFA is all about — making football truly global and uniting people through the game,” Moreira said. He also emphasised the importance of meeting member associations face-to-face to better understand their challenges and provide support. Moreira expressed hope that FIFA will return to the region soon to conduct more workshops aimed at further strengthening football development.
Fiji FA Staff Complete OFC Management Certificate Course Module
Staff from the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) have completed another module of the OFC Management Certificate Course, a program designed to strengthen football administration and leadership across the Oceania region. The two-day course concluded yesterday at the Tanoa Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka, bringing together department heads and senior staff from various Fiji FA divisions. Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf said the initiative is a collaboration among UEFA, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), and the Member Associations, aimed at empowering football administrators across the Member Associations. “This initiative is about empowering and educating staff across all our member associations,” Yusuf said. “The first module was conducted in November, and this follow-up session focused on important areas such as marketing, sponsorship, revenue generation, competitions, and communications.” Participants were required to present assignments based on work they had been undertaking since the first module. Their presentations will form part of the assessment for the certificate program. Yusuf encouraged staff to take part in such programs to enhance their professional development and contribute more effectively to the organisation. “We want to encourage all staff to participate and become accredited. After these sessions, they can contribute more effectively to the success of their respective departments and modules,” he said. He added that empowering employees is an important part of strengthening the organisation. “I believe in empowering all staff and allowing them to produce their maximum potential. These learning opportunities help them improve and enhance their performance.” Yusuf said many of the ideas presented during the course—particularly those relating to revenue generation and sponsor activations—are already being implemented by Fiji FA. “From the discussions today, I’m pleased to say that we have already been doing about 50 to 60 per cent of the ideas that were presented. However, after these sessions, we must do it even better so that we can deliver maximum value to our sponsors.” He also praised the confidence and leadership displayed by staff members during their presentations. “It was inspiring to see many employees step forward, speak confidently, and present their ideas. It shows that there is a lot of talent within the organisation that can rise to the occasion and continue to lead in the future.” Fiji FA is among the first member associations in Oceania to participate in the program, which has also been rolled out in Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga. The third and final module of the program is expected to take place in June or July, where participants will complete their final assessments and training as part of the certification process.
LABASA GO TOP AFTER DOMINANT WIN IN ROUND THREE
Labasa FC have taken the lead in the Extra Premier League points table following a convincing 5–0 victory over Coastal Rental Cars Nadroga FC in Round Three last weekend at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Former Lautoka FC striker Aporosa Yada made an immediate impact on his debut, scoring a brace, while France Catarogo also netted twice. Nadroga’s misery was compounded by an own goal, completing the five-goal tally for the Babasiga Lions. With a win and a draw, Labasa now sit on four points, level with Ba, Suva, Nasinu, Nadi and Lautoka, but their superior goal difference places them at the top of the table. One of the feature matches of Round Three saw Tagimoucia Nadi FC hold Dayal’s Sawmillers Ba FC to a 1–1 draw at King Charles Park in Nadi. The Men-in-Black took the lead through a Praneel Naidu free kick, but Nadi import Jimson Abana struck in the dying minutes to salvage a point for the hosts. Ba currently sit second on the table, while Nadi occupy sixth place on goal difference. At Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori, Lautoka FC produced a major upset, defeating defending champions Stratum Rewa FC 3–2. Epeli Valevou opened the scoring in the third minute before Zibraaz Sahib equalised for Rewa before halftime. Lautoka regained control in the second half with Sailosi Naicegu restoring the lead before Shiva Pillay extended it further. Kavaia Rawaqa pulled one back for the Delta Tigers in injury time, but it was not enough to deny Lautoka the victory. Lautoka now sit fifth, while Rewa drop to seventh. At HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, the capital side recorded a convincing 3–0 victory over Navua FC. Suva imports Siotama Kubu and Malakai Lavacake scored in the first half before Fazil Ali sealed the win with the third goal. Suva are currently third on the standings with four points. Meanwhile at the Uprising Sports Ground, Nasinu FC defeated Tailevu Naitasiri FC 4–2 in an entertaining encounter. Meli Nacoke, Emmanuel Etim, Bruce Hughes and Nitin Chand scored for Nasinu, while Iosefo Verevou and Ratu Anare found the net for Tailevu Naitasiri. Nasinu now sit in fourth place on the table, while Tailevu Naitasiri are in ninth position, and Nadroga remain at the bottom of the standings after three rounds of competition. With several teams tied on points, the Extra Premier League table remains tightly contested as the season continues to gather momentum.
Fiji Kulas Launch World Cup Qualifiers in Style with Dominant 5-0 Win
Fiji Kulas have made a powerful start to their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ qualifying campaign, delivering a commanding 5-0 victory over New Caledonia in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba. Runners-up in the past two OFC FIFA Women’s World Cup™ qualifying campaigns, the Fiji Kulas entered the tournament with high expectations — and they wasted no time showing their intent. Four first-half goals put the result beyond doubt before the break, as Fiji overwhelmed a New Caledonian side competing in senior OFC competition for the first time since 2022. The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Trina Davis capitalised on a rebound from goalkeeper Prescilla Maillot. Sofi Diyalowai doubled the advantage in the 26th minute, again reacting quickest inside the penalty area after another rebound. Diyalowai then turned provider, splitting the New Caledonian defence with a precise pass for Cema Nasau to slot home Fiji’s third in the 36th minute. The midfielder capped off an outstanding first-half performance by scoring her second goal in stoppage time (45+4’), giving Fiji a 4-0 lead at halftime. While New Caledonia tightened up defensively in the second half, Fiji remained in control. Substitute Sonia Alfred added the finishing touch in the 74th minute, powering home a header from a corner as rain began to fall in Ba. The emphatic victory also marked the first competitive win for new head coach Nicola Demaine, providing the perfect foundation for Fiji’s qualifying campaign. Earlier in the day, Papua New Guinea also recorded a 5-0 win over Vanuatu, setting up a highly anticipated Group B clash between Fiji and PNG on Monday in Ba. Meanwhile, New Caledonia will face Vanuatu as the group stage continues.
Auvray Proud but Demanding More After Bula FC’s 2–1 Win Over Hekari
Head coach Stephane Auvray praised his players’ commitment after Extra Bula FC secured a crucial 2–1 victory over Hekari United FC in Round 3, Match 2 of the OFC Pro League — but insisted the performance showed there is still work to be done. “I liked the first 45 minutes,” Auvray said post-match. “We should have scored one more to make the game easier for us. Second half, I didn’t like it, so we still have work to do. I’m very happy for the players because they’ve been working hard for many games. But tomorrow, we get back to work.” Bula FC made an aggressive start and were rewarded with a goal in the 11th minute. Filipe Baravilala found space down the right flank and whipped in a dangerous delivery. Fergus Gillion redirected the ball toward Thomas Dunn, who was perfectly positioned to finish from close range. A lengthy VAR review checked a possible offside in the build-up, but the goal was confirmed, giving Bula FC the early lead, which their pressure deserved. The second goal arrived in the 35th minute and showcased Bula FC’s strength in transition. After defending a Hekari free kick, they broke quickly. The ball was worked wide to Kaile Auvray, who powered past his marker before driving a clinical finish into the near post beyond goalkeeper Dave Tomare. Auvray made four changes to his starting lineup from the previous match, highlighting the club’s long-term vision. “We had Ibraheem playing at left winger today. He is 18. It’s important to integrate our young players; we have a long-term project. Second half, we also had Ayman playing left central back, he is 20. Difficult start but then he got more comfortable — I’m happy for them.” Bula FC introduced Nabil Begg, Setareki Hughes, Maikah Dau and Ayman in the second half as they managed the game and protected their advantage. However, the intensity of the first half dipped after the break — something Auvray openly acknowledged. Opportunities to extend the lead came and went, including a late chance for Roy Krishna, who met Begg’s cross at the near post but steered his effort wide. There was also concern when defender Semi Nabenu was forced off with an injury, replaced by Sterling Vasconcellos. Despite a less convincing second half, Bula FC showed composure and discipline to close out the match and secure three valuable points in their OFC Pro League campaign.
Rewa Roar, Ba Fire Warning Shots in Explosive EPL Opener
Defending champions Rewa FC wasted no time sending a clear message to the rest of the Extra Premier League, thrashing neighbours Tailevu Naitasiri 4-0 at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori to take an early lead after Round One. The Delta Tigers were clinical and composed as they began their title defence in emphatic fashion. Patrick Joseph opened the scoring in the 30th minute from the penalty spot after striker Epeli Valevou was brought down in the box by Tailevu goalkeeper Sitiveni Matalaba. The visitors’ troubles deepened on the stroke of halftime when captain Turendra Kumar was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Mohammed Ramzan. Rewa struck again just before the break, with Mosese Nabose doubling the advantage to put the champions firmly in control. Despite Tailevu attempting to tighten up defensively in the second spell, Rewa’s depth proved too strong. Substitute Semi Matalau marked his appearance with a goal in the 77th minute, finishing off a move created by Solomon Islands import Norman Nghafu to cap off a dominant performance. Adding further positives for the Delta Tigers were the debuts of Fiji U16 rep Isoa Baselala and Fiji U19 rep Avishaan Chand, highlighting the club’s continued investment in youth development. Meanwhile, at 4R Stadium in Ba, Dayal’s Sawmillers Ba FC delivered an attacking masterclass in a 5-2 victory over Nadroga. It took just one minute for the Men-in-Black to stamp their authority, with debutant Sairusi Nalaubu netting the first goal of the 2026 season. Although Nalaubu missed a penalty in the 40th minute, Rusiate Doidoi reacted quickest to score from the rebound to extend Ba’s lead. Nigerian import Elijah Abetam struck early in the second half to make it three. Nadroga fought back through Semesa Sacere and Tomasi Tuicakau, but Ba’s firepower proved too much. Nalaubu grabbed his second of the match before Penisoni Tirau sealed the emphatic win. At Churchill Park, Suva FC showed grit to come from behind and hold Lautoka FC to a 1-1 draw in a tightly contested encounter. Suva took the lead in the first half through Siotama Kubu, while Rusiate Matererenga found the equaliser in the second half to ensure both sides shared the spoils. Nadi FC quietly moved into third place after edging Navua FC 1-0, courtesy of a second-half strike from Jimson Abana. At Subrail Park in Labasa, Labasa FC and Nasinu FC battled to a scoreless draw, sharing the points in a match dominated by defensive discipline. After an action-packed opening weekend, Rewa sit at the top on goal difference, with Ba close behind. If Round One is any indication, the 2026 Extra Premier League season promises fireworks.