Nasinu players demoralized after qualification saga – FBC News
Source: FFA / Facebook The bubble of excitement surrounding the Nasinu Football team has burst, leaving players demoralized after Fiji Football Association’s decision effectively knocked them out of the Super Premier Division lineup for next week’s FMF Inter-District Championship. Speaking to FBC Sports, Coach Abunesh Kapur openly voiced his disappointment, saying that his side became the team penalized in the fallout of the Navua FC eligibility blunder that awarded Nadi FC three points. The decision saw Nadi leapfrog Nasinu in the league standings, relegating the Nasinu side to the Premier Division. Article continues after advertisement Kapur questioned the severity of Navua’s oversight, especially since the player suspension information was reportedly provided to all districts by the Fiji FA on both September 16 and 24. “Nadi had the opportunity to protest because the information was provided prior, as stated by Fiji Football, and it was given to all the districts. Then, Navua coming on the eleventh hour and saying it’s an honest mistake, where are your checks? When you are filling in the COMET system, it will show up that the player is suspended.” Kapur says that had Navua followed the required due diligence process, Nadi’s protest would not have been valid. Following the ruling, the coach acknowledged the drastic drop in team morale. However, Kapur reminded his players that they are still heading to the IDC and should have a clear mindset to dominate regardless of the division. Nasinu will battle Tavua, Tailevu Naitasiri, and Seaqaqa. The FMF IDC 2025 starts from next Tuesday in Ba. Fans can catch live commentary of all the matches on Radio Fiji Two. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
FMF IDC 2025 Senior Division Pools Drawn
The stage is set for the 2025 FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC) Senior Division following the official pool draws held at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva today. Six districts will contest the competition, while Bua and Northland Tailevu have been ruled out after failing to meet the mandatory requirements. Group A features Lami, Taveuni and Nadogo. Lami, a consistent performer at this level, will rely on experience to push for top honours. Taveuni, often unpredictable and backed by strong island support, will aim to spring surprises. Nadogo, with a young and determined squad, is expected to bring energy and possibly an upset or two. Group B includes Rakiraki, Dreketi and Savusavu. Rakiraki, proud of its senior football tradition, will look to translate history into results. Dreketi, known for discipline and defensive solidity, remains a difficult opponent. Savusavu, on the other hand, is tipped to play with flair and attacking intent. Bua and Northland Tailevu will not feature in this year’s IDC after failing to conduct their mandatory Local League Competitions, a core requirement set by the Fiji FA. The parent body has maintained that compliance is non-negotiable, describing it as vital for the development and governance of football in the country. The IDC Senior Division continues to provide a vital platform for districts outside the Premier Division, offering a chance for emerging talent to shine while smaller associations strive for greater success. With six determined sides across two evenly balanced pools, football fans can expect fiery contests, passionate support, and plenty of drama on the road to the finals. The group stages will be played from October 7 to 9, followed by the semi-finals on October 11 and the grand final on October 12 at 4R Stadium at Govind Park in Ba.
Quiz: Get to know stars of the Women’s Cricket World Cup
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Luke Donald is Europe’s Sir Alex Ferguson – everything points to one Ryder Cup decision
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more A weary Luke Donald emerged from Europe’s team hotel, clutching the Ryder Cup, which was glistening in the New York sky after a rollercoaster 15-13 victory over the USA. The zombie-like state of some of Europe’s players, who had revelled in the thrill of an away Ryder Cup victory, was apparent. Shane Lowry was sipping on a Diet Coke, while Rory McIlroy was sporting a pair of Aviators to obscure any tiredness. Tyrrell Hatton, no stranger to a heavy night out, of course, appeared smug after sharing that his head was surprisingly clear, and Matt Fitzpatrick was the first to call it a night. Such was the thrill of defeating the USA, though, despite the ugly scenes at a hostile Bethpage Black, that the magnetic pull of leading this team is likely to prove difficult to discard. Donald now has a vital decision to make, and though he has time, the clock is ticking. Europe’s leader will be confirmed 18 months out from Adare Manor, when it starts over again on 17 September 2027. “If someone’s going to do one, they should probably do two,” Donald said when considering his future. Should he take charge in County Limerick, and then again in Hazeltine in 2029, he would match Tony Jacklin’s record of four stints as captain. “I think that gave us a little bit of an edge. It’s job done and that’s what you came here for. “I haven’t even crossed my mind or thought about [accepting the captaincy for a third time]. But again, I’m super humbled again that they [the players] would even mention it. I think I have to sit down and think things through and what that would be; what that would look like. “I won’t rule it out, but I want to kind of enjoy this one. I would say it will be harder. I think some people obviously thought I was mad trying to do an away Ryder Cup after such a successful one in Rome. open image in gallery Captain Luke Donald of Team Europe is sprayed with champagne (Getty) “Would that change how I was looked at as a captain if it went badly this week? I was happy to take that challenge on. I’ve done one home, I’ve done one away. I do’t feel there’s much more to prove.” Jon Rahm had called for “two more years”, while Lowry, the Irishman who drained that putt to fend off a relentless USA march to an improbable comeback, is eager for Donald to stay, too. “We would happily have him [for two more years], but it’s obviously his call,” Lowry said, having cut short the festivities at 2:30am. “He’s given up three years of his life. And he’s put in a lot of work. It’ll be a big deal for him to take it on again. God help whoever is going to fill his shoes. It’s like trying to come in after Sir Alex Ferguson. And we’ve seen how that’s gone over the last 12 years. I think it’ll be very tough shoes to fill.” Donald has made dozens of astute moves, and the winning Ryder Cup captain is always heralded for the small decisions, as much as the wildcard picks and pairings throughout the week. But a candid Donald acknowledged the power of McIlroy, a spiritual leader for Europe amid the carnage of Bethpage Black and the nasty, personal barbs sent his way, and at his wife Erica Stoll, who emerged as “the big winner this week” in Lowry’s eyes after displaying such poise and dignity in the face of adversity. open image in gallery Captain Luke Donald of Team Europe and Shane Lowry of Team Europe hug (Getty) “You absolutely need your big guns to fire,” Donald noted. “And that’s what we are proud of, that the US guys’ big guys, their guns, they didn’t get as many points as ours. “Rory has made no qualms about how important the Ryder Cup is to him, and I think that’s inspiring to me. It’s inspiring to his team. You know, maybe not quite on the same level as winning the Grand Slam and the Masters, but it’s pretty effing close. It really is. He’s talked to me about it many times, about how he wants to win an away Ryder Cup and how difficult that is. “To have someone of Rory’s calibre fighting so hard, that’s inspiring for the team.” McIlroy slipped out of the team hotel, having been an integral part of the boisterous team celebrations on the bus, his name, to the tune of The Cranberries’ “Zombie”, likely still ringing between his ears. Carrying a single iron in a Boston Common pencil bag, McIlroy had led a chorus of “Are you watching Donald Trump?” hours earlier. “The story is that we were in the dressing room and Rory got a text from the president while we were in there,” Donald recalled. “He read it out to us and he’s like, let’s do the video with the funny chant and send
Round Robin Format for Premier Division in FMF IDC 2025
The Premier Division of the FMF IDC 2025 will adopt a round robin format this year after two clubs were disqualified for breaching Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) regulations. Traditionally, the tournament has been contested through group stages leading to semi-finals and a final. But with two teams dropped for non-compliance, the format has been reduced to a smaller round robin competition to ensure the championship remains competitive and fair. Bua FC and Northland Tailevu were suspended after failing to organise their respective Regional Club Leagues, a key requirement under the Fiji FA’s competition guidelines. Their omission has paved the way for four sides to contest for the Premier Division title. Joining the line-up are ninth-placed Extra Premier League outfit Nasinu FC and bottom-finishing Tavua FC, along with Tailevu Naitasiri, champions of the Extra Senior League, and runners-up Seaqaqa FC. The four teams will now face each other once in the round robin. The top two sides at the end of the competition will advance straight to the grand final on Sunday, where the winner will be crowned IDC champions.
Macuata women book semifinal spot – FBC News
Macuata’s women’s rugby side Macuata’s women’s rugby side marched into the Royal Tea Ranadi semifinals after a thrilling 41-34 win over a determined Malolo outfit in this afternoons semifinal at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. From the opening whistle, Macuata stamped their authority with strong carries and a rock-solid defensive line that set the tone of the contest. Their physicality and discipline gave them the edge, and by halftime they had established a 24-10 lead. Article continues after advertisement Malolo fought hard and showed plenty of hunger in attack, but Macuata’s composure under pressure kept them in control until the final whistle. In other Royal Tea Ranadi results at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, Ba proved far too strong for Nanukuloa, storming to a 102-15 victory after leading 39-15 at halftime. Meanwhile, Tavua powered past Northland with a 51-29 win. Tavua had gone into the break leading 22-10 before finishing strongly in the second half to seal the result. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Forgotten Kaizer Chiefs signing could make his debut this week
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has indicated that new signing Ethan Chislett might make his debut against AmaZulu midweek. The 27-year-old former Port Vale midfielder joined Amakhosi in July but has not made his official debut for the Glamour Boys. The club’s assistant coach Ben Youssef, felt the Durban-born midfielder was in good condition to make his debut. “I think AmaZulu is one of the best teams in the PSL. They play very good football,” Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach said. “We have prepared yesterday with our analysis. We will keep maybe the same squad that played the last game. We might see Ethan maybe in the next game,” he said. Ben Youssef’s co-coach Cedric Kaze did mention did confirmed that Chislett could be available for Kaizer Chiefs’ next matches. Kaizer Chiefs to unleash Chislett “Ighodaro is injured, but the medical department promised us [his imminent return]. He started this week to train with the group without contact,” Kaze said as per iDiski Times. “We hope after the international break, he will be ready to go. If I’m not mistaken, Mayo won’t be able to play until the group stage, Ighodaro until the group stage, Maboe as well – but we have other players available, and will help the team.”. “The likes of Mako, Monyane, that were injured. Ndlovu as well – Ethan will be available for selection [in the next round],” he added. Kaizer Chiefs are in action on Wednesday against AmaZulu as they look to close the gap on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Will Chislett impress?
West Ham show signs of life for Nuno to nurture in Everton draw
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Jarrod Bowen’s deflected strike helped Nuno Espirito Santo start his reign as West Ham boss with a battling 1-1 draw at Everton. Nuno was appointed Hammers manager on Saturday, tasked with turning around a side that had started the Premier League season with four defeats in five matches, leading to Graham Potter’s sacking. West Ham’s dire run looked set to continue when they fell behind early on to Michael Keane’s header but while Everton hunted a second after the break, Bowen struck to guarantee the visitors a point. As well as being the first goal of Nuno’s reign, Bowen became the first person from a visiting team to score at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, denying Toffees boss David Moyes a win over his former side. Moyes’ side started brightly and threatened down both flanks early on, with Beto getting in between West Ham’s flat-footed defenders, although the striker was unable to generate any power on his free header from a floated cross. Alphonse Areola was also untroubled when Iliman Ndiaye cut inside and shot straight at him before Everton exploited West Ham’s set-piece frailties to go ahead in the 18th minute. open image in gallery Michael Keane’s pinpoint header put Everton ahead (Reuters) Under Potter, West Ham had conceded seven times in the league from corners this season, and that weakness shows no sign of disappearing any time soon. While Areola punched the initial delivery clear, the visitors were slow to step out and the ball was worked backed to James Garner, whose left-wing cross was headed high into the net by an unmarked Keane. Chants of “sack the board” and “we want our club back” soon rang around the away end, and matters might have worsened before half-time as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall glanced a header wide of the far post. open image in gallery Nuno could thank Jarrod Bowen for earning a point (Reuters) Everton went up a gear immediately after the break as Jake O’Brien and Idrissa Gueye rifled over the bar, while Jack Grealish teed up Garner, who was twice denied from the edge of the area by Areola. Grealish’s appeals for a penalty fell on deaf ears when his low cross ricocheted off Areola and cannoned into the left hand of an oblivious Konstantinos Mavropanos, standing a couple of feet away. The hosts were almost caught out when O’Brien tried to cushion a header back to Pickford, who had to stick out a leg to deflect wide after Crysencio Summerville snuck in behind and poked at goal. There was no denying West Ham on their next foray forward, though, with El Hadji Malick Diouf sprinting clear of O’Brien and James Tarkowski and sending a cross to the far side via Keane’s attempted clearance. open image in gallery Bowen’s superb finish made it 1-1 (PA Wire) Bowen collected the loose ball on the edge of the box, cut on to his left foot and arrowed a fantastic shot – which brushed Keane’s head – beyond the helpless Pickford in the 65th minute. The goal rejuvenated West Ham, although their attempt to play out from the back was nearly punished as Mavropanos was dispossessed by Dewsbury-Hall, who was upended by the defender just outside the box. Garner sent the free-kick wide, while he had a chance in a similar area late on, but Areola got down low to save to ensure West Ham left Merseyside with a share of the spoils.
Draws Done for FMF IDC 2025
The pools are set for the 2025 FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC), which kicks off next Tuesday at the redeveloped 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba. In the Super Premier Division, hosts RC Manubhai Ba FC have been drawn in Group B alongside reigning Extra Premier League champions Stratum Construction Rewa FC, last year’s finalists Navua FC, and the ever-dangerous Nadroga Stallions. Group A will be equally competitive, featuring defending champions Extra Supermarket Labasa FC, Western giants 4R Electric Lautoka FC, Capital City heavyweights Power Lightning Volt Suva FC, and the recently qualified Nadi FC. In the Senior Division, Group A features Lami, Taveuni, and Nadogo, while Group B brings together Rakiraki, Savusavu, and Dreketi. Meanwhile, the Premier Division will be contested in a round-robin format between Nasinu, Tavua, Kell Investment Tailevu Naitasiri, and Seaqaqa, with only the strongest side emerging as champions.
Football gossip: Semenyo, Saka, Trippier, Guler, Upamecano, Rayan
Antoine Semenyo is wanted by top clubs, England internationals Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier are offered new deals, plus more. Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo is continuing to attract interest despite signing a new contract in the summer, with Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa all keen on the 25-year-old. (TBRFootball), external Arsenal are in talks with winger Bukayo Saka, 24, about a new contract which will make him one of the club’s highest-paid players. (Express, external) Newcastle want to offer former England defender Kieran Trippier a new contract. The 35-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of this season. (Chronicle, external) Barcelona will wait to make a decision about signing on-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, 27, on a permanent basis. (Football Insider, external) Liverpool’s interest in signing Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, 26, in January could come unstuck with the Bundesliga club keen to tie the France centre-back down to a new contract. (Football Insider, external) Tottenham, Chelsea and Brighton are interested in Brazilian striker Rayan, 19, who plays for Vasco da Gama. (Sport Witness, external) Spurs also hold an interest in Real Madrid’s Arda Guler. The 20-year-old Turkey midfielder has struggled to break into the Real starting XI and is also wanted by Newcastle and Arsenal. (Fichajes – in Spanish, external) Championship clubs Preston, Derby and Hull are interested in signing Brighton’s English winger Tom Watson, 19, on loan in January. (Lancashire Post), external