Rewa Creates History with Back-to-Back National League Titles
Rewa Football Club has created history by winning the National League title for the second consecutive year — a first for the district. The Red Lions’ remarkable achievement reflects the dedication of the players, the leadership of its management, and the unwavering support of its fans. Club President Nazeel Buksh described the triumph as one of immense pride for the entire Rewa community. “It’s a very proud moment for Rewa. This is the first time that we have won the National League title back-to-back. A big congrats to the whole of Rewa district — the fans, the players, the families, everyone played a big role in looking after this team,” said Buksh. Buksh praised the team’s perseverance through one of the toughest seasons in recent history. “We have sacrificed a lot. The team just stuck together, we believed in ourselves, and finally we got back-to-back. This is the third National League title in the last four years, and that just shows how consistent we have been,” he explained. The squad endured a grueling calendar, juggling the OFC Champions League campaign in the Solomon Islands and catching up with a condensed domestic schedule. “The players have been performing as a unit throughout the year despite playing the most number of matches in a single season. That’s a huge achievement for Rewa district itself,” Buksh added. For Player-Coach Tevita Waranivalu, this year’s title is deeply personal. Having lifted the trophy as a player last season, he has now guided the side to glory in his debut season as coach, while still leading inside the field. “Last year was special for me as a player, but this year is even more emotional because it’s my first title as a coach,” Waranivalu said. “Being a player-coach is not easy — you are guiding the boys from inside the field while also making the big calls from the sideline. But the team trusted me, and together we delivered for Rewa.” He underlined the collective effort that made history possible. “The credit goes to the players, the management, and the fans who stood behind us. This title belongs to the whole district of Rewa. To win back-to-back in my first season as coach while still playing is something I will always cherish.” The champions received fitting recognition from rivals Suva FC, who congratulated Rewa with a guard of honour ahead of their Extra Premier League clash at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori on Sunday. The match ended in a goalless 0-0 draw, with Rewa already confirmed as champions and still holding a match in hand. The symbolic gesture highlighted the respect earned by the Delta Tigers for their remarkable consistency and achievements over the past few years. Buksh also highlighted the crucial role of sponsors and community partners. “I would like to thank each and every one who has contributed towards the team. The sponsors — without them, we can’t go along. Special thanks to Extra Supermarket and Mr. Kavi, who has always been with us whether he sponsors outright or not, but always helping in some way. Also, Lincoln, Mr. Praveen, and everyone who contributed, big or small — it all counts toward this title.”
English Open: Mark Allen survives Zhou Yuelong comeback to win title in final-frame decider
Mark Allen survived a spirited comeback from China’s Zhou Yuelong to win the English Open in a final-frame decider and claim his first ranking title in 19 months. Northern Ireland’s Allen led Sunday’s final in Brentwood 6-2 and 7-3 before Zhou roared back to win five consecutive frames and lead for the first time. Former world number one Allen, however, showed his own powers of recovery to win the last two frames and win 9-8 in a final that lasted seven hours over two sessions. It is Allen’s 12th ranking title and first since the Players Championship in February 2024. With Sunday’s victory, 39-year-old Allen earned the £100,000 top prize and lifted the Steve Davis Trophy for the first time. It was a fitting end to the week for the former UK Championship and Masters winner, who also edged out Stuart Bingham, Ding Junhui, Elliot Slessor and Jak Jones in final-frame deciders to reach the final. “I thought Zhou battled really hard in that second session, he played some good stuff,” said Allen. “He put me under pressure, I missed a few balls and I was nervous. I missed a few that I shouldn’t have but at 8-7 I suddenly switched on a bit. “It’s a good trait to have. I don’t want to keep relying on it but I felt as good as any part of the match in those last two frames, but I feel for Zhou, he probably deserved that for the character he showed.”
Fiji basketball teams conclude World Cup Campaign – FBC News
[Photo Credit: Basketball Fiji] The Fiji men’s and women’s U23 basketball teams have concluded their respective FIBA World Cup campaigns, with both teams gaining valuable international exposure. While the results may not have favored the Fijians, the experience of competing on the global stage is a significant step for the development of local talent. The women’s team faced formidable opponents, with losses against Czechia (3-21), New Zealand (7-15), Uganda (3-21), and the Netherlands (3-21). Article continues after advertisement The squad included Moana Liebregts, Camari Ravai, Ranadi Koroi, and Estelle Kainamoli. The men’s team also faced tough competition, with losses to Latvia (14-21), the USA (8-21), China (9-21), and Qatar (15-17). The men’s squad was made up of Tevia Vocea, Ratu Tuivabuavou, Isaac Sewabu, and Keenan Hughes. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Mikel Arteta overthought his tactical masterplan against Pep Guardiola – Arsenal paid City too much respect
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 As the league leaders now know better than anyone, there is little like a late goal for that rush, that surge of emotion that floods all thinking and makes everything seem worth it. One key difference already this season, however, is that Liverpool have scored them to win games and Gabriel Martinelli’s was to salvage a point. Mikel Arteta’s “finishers” at least had the final say against Manchester City. Eberechi Eze picked out Martinelli with that beautiful lofted pass, and the Brazilian finished brilliantly. After a strange if absorbing afternoon at Arsenal, Arteta was naturally asked if that reflected the fact he’d got his starting lineup wrong and that the finishers should actually have been starters. It could have been much worse for Arsenal but there was also that lingering sense that they’d left something out there, that it could have been much better. City, who very much “parked the bus”, seemed to get away with one. Arteta admitted he was “very disappointed with the result” but wouldn’t quite go as far as the question. “It’s too easy to say that, I think.” It’s a phrase that maybe revealed more than intended, and also reflected one of many ironies to this curious 1-1. open image in gallery Arsenal goalscorer Gabriel Martinelli started on the bench (Getty Images) Principally, whether Arteta himself did indeed overthink a match against one of the game’s biggest overthinkers in Pep Guardiola. Arsenal certainly paid City more respect than arguably anyone has in a year. And, typically, there was at least some logic to that. From what insider sources say, Arteta and his staff had been conscious of the fact that a new City team’s adaptation to a different pressing system has caused them to tire more than usual at around the hour mark. The biggest illustration so far was the 2-1 defeat away to Brighton. It hardly helps that Rodri can’t yet be as physically dominant as we’re accustomed to. So, that should have been prime time to then bring on fresh attackers and cause havoc. To add to that, Arteta also wanted to start the game using the “positive momentum” of specific players who are on good form. Leandro Trossard got a goal and assist against Athletic Club. Mikel Merino has been on fine form. Noni Madueke has enjoyed an exhilarating start to his Arsenal career. Except, in this match, it all felt a bit too much. It was even like Arsenal were thinking too much in play. The build-up was cautious and lacking spark, an aspect that looked all the more pronounced when the sensational Erling Haaland surged through for that brilliant opening strike. You knew it was a goal the second he and Tijjani Reijnders set off. open image in gallery Erling Haaland opens the scoring for City (Getty Images) It was such a straight line, compared to the knots that Arteta’s side were getting themselves into. Arsenal, in essence, had overcomplicated things – right down to the counterintuitive logic of starting almost all of their best attackers on the bench. Against that, Haaland made things so simple. And that very goal played into another of the game’s key ironies. First, there was how stripped-down City were. It wasn’t quite “reductive”, given that Rodri is still there and they have the class of a player like Reijnders. But you can still almost reduce it to having one big lad at the back and one big lad up front. Gigi Donnarumma keeps them out, and Haaland puts them in. open image in gallery Gianluigi Donnarumma embraces his defenders after the game (Action Images/Reuters) It’s reminiscent of Real Madrid around the mid-2000s, when Iker Casillas would keep them out and Ronaldo would put them in. Except that obviously wasn’t the comparison people were thinking of. One stood out as the game went on. That was Internazionale against Guardiola’s own Barcelona in 2009-10. There were stretches when City had almost their full XI congesting space in the box. Haaland seemed to be clearing it more than he was shooting. City had a mere 32.8 per cent possession, the lowest of the manager’s entire career. For all the focus on the two big men, some of the defenders were superb. Special mention should be afforded for Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly. They got their bodies in the way of so much. No one could have imagined a scene like this from Guardiola as he paced that touchline back in 2010, trying to come up with ways for that attack to open up Jose Mourinho’s packed defence. It appeared to go against every one of his principles, and Guardiola himself gestured that this was a compliment to Arsenal. It also represents a clear logic, and – yes – perhaps some overthinking. Guardiola may have changed the game through those principles, but that’s the thing. The game has changed. The world around those principles has moved. It is arguably the most Guardiola thing imaginable to do something else when everyone is trying to copy him. He’s consequently doing
Football gossip: Maignan, Baleba, Reguilon, Vargas, Wharton
Chelsea turn attention back to AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler warns Carlos Baleba and Everton plan move for Sergio Reguilon. France and AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, 30, could be on Chelsea’s transfer agenda again in the next window following 27-year-old Spaniard Robert Sanchez’s performance against Manchester United. He is free to sign a pre-contract agreement in January as his current deal expires next summer, and was wanted by the Blues in the summer. (Daily Express), external Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has urged midfielder Carlos Baleba to remain grounded despite rumours of a move, with Manchester United interested in signing the 21-year-old Cameroon international in the summer. (Daily Mirror), external Everton are considering a move for free-agent defender Sergio Reguilon, 28, although the former Tottenham Hotspur full-back is said to prefer a move back to his Spanish homeland. (Football Insider), external Sevilla’s Ruben Vargas, 27, remains on Spurs’ radar should they decide to pursue a winger in January. Boss Thomas Frank may focus on a central midfielder, but the Swiss international remains an option further up the pitch. (Football Insider), external West Ham United are considering all managerial options as pressure builds on Graham Potter following Saturday’s defeat to Crystal Palace. (Sky Sports), external Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are all interested in signing 28-year-old Juventus and Brazil defender Gleison Bremer. (Teamtalk), external Crystal Palace are expected to rebuff any offer for England midfielder Adam Wharton, 21, in the January transfer window, with Liverpool and Real Madrid keen. (Football Insider), external Bayern Munich’s French defender Dayot Upamecano, 26, has his eyes on a move to Real Madrid when his contract expires next summer. (Marca – in Spanish), external Tottenham Hotspur are keen to make 30-year-old Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha’s loan deal from Bayern Munich permanent in January. (TBR Football), external
England seal series win over Ireland – FBC News
[Photo Credit: BBC Sports] England wrapped up a six-wicket win over Ireland in the third T20 to claim the series 2-0. Chasing 155, England lost two early wickets but Jordan Cox steadied the innings with a half-century. Tom Banton finished the job with 17 balls to spare. Earlier, Ireland were restricted to 154 for seven. Adil Rashid impressed with three wickets, while Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson picked up two each. Article continues after advertisement The only disappointment for England was debutant Sonny Baker, who conceded 52 runs without taking a wicket. The victory follows England’s opening win on Wednesday, while Friday’s second match was abandoned due to rain. It was the first ever T20 series between the two sides. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Pep Guardiola explains why Man City used counterattacking tactics against Arsenal
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 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola highlighted “fatigue”, injuries and Arsenal’s quality as reasons for his tactics as his side took an unusually defensive approach in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at the Emirates. City conceded a 93rd-minute equaliser in the capital after Eberechi Eze’s clipped ball over the top caught out the visitors’ high line before Gabriel Martineli raced clean through to chip over the onrushing Gianluigi Donnarumma. And while City were impressive in their ability to fend off wave after wave of Arsenal attack – with Erling Haaland having opened the scoring with a superb counter in the ninth minute – the visitors invited plenty of Arsenal pressure and registered just 32.8 per cent possession as they took an unusually defensive approach. That possession stat is is the lowest figure any Pep Guardiola team have ever recorded in a top-flight match, illustrating the defensive-mindedness of a City team that was unusually poor in possession while being happy to sit back and soak up pressure. However, Guardiola was happy with the result and performance overall, saying that his side will “take the point”, although “we have to improve”. The Spaniard then went on to blame a mix of factors for the approach, explaining that his side was “incredibly tired”. open image in gallery Arsenal finally broke City’s resistance through Gabriel Martinelli (Getty Images) “The game against Napoli was so emotional. We had a lot of fatigue with many players. We also have a lot of injuries,” he explained. “We don’t try to be like this [with the defensive approach] but when the opponent is better we defend deeper and counter-attack, but that’s not our intention. “I would prefer not to do it but you have to at this level. I take a point and in some games we have to adjust. It’s difficult to analyse with all that’s happened this week,” he added. And Guardiola further praised his side’s “resilience”, adding that it is “so difficult when you’re not effective or high pressing and you’re not effective in build up”. “I think the result is fair. But in general, Arsenal were better,” he explained, later adding that he didn’t want to put any blame on the early schedule. “Many things can happen but if you want to bring that our complaint is the schedule – then okay,” he added. City have had a positive week on paper, beating Manchester United in last week’s derby before winning their opening match of the Champions League campaign 2-0 against Napoli. However, City remain eight points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, with Guardiola’s men currently in ninth place with seven points from their opening five matches. City’s next match comes at home to Burnley on 27 September, while Arsenal continue their campaign with a difficult test away to Newcastle the next day.
‘They’re not the team they were’ – should Aston Villa be worried after winless start?
Villa launch their Europa League campaign at home to Bologna on Thursday, and will have to juggle the demands of playing Thursday-Sunday matches. Their failure to finish in a Champions League position meant restrictions were put in place during the summer to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). In addition, the loss of loan signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio has impacted the depth of quality in the attacking department. They were able to bring in Nice striker Evann Guessand for £26m plus £4.3m in add-ons, but the Ivory Coast forward has registered just two attempts on target. “After playing 11 against 10 it should be easier to dominate and take advantage, but we were not playing with our identity,” added Emery. “I’m disappointed and frustrated, more for how we are not achieving our identity, playing the football we’ve been successful with.” Looking at positives for Emery, the next two Premier League games offer a decent chance of kick-starting their season. Villa have back-to-back home games against Fulham on 28 September and Burnley on 5 October. “We’re not happy,” goalscorer Cash told Sky Sports. “As a team we’ve got to be better. With the quality we have, we need to be higher up the league. “Over the last few years we’ve had a lot of highs at the club and at the minute we’re in a bit of a tough period.” There is no doubt Emery’s spell at Villa has been impressive overall and no-one will be pressing the panic button yet. However, time and patience remains in short supply in the Premier League. Emery will know that unless Villa pick up a win soon, the pressure will increase.
Arsenal v Manchester City live: Latest score and goal updates from Premier League game today
Arsenal 0-1 Man City Plenty more Arsenal possession and Reijnders is lucky to avoid a yellow for pulling back Saka before the England winger wins a free-kick in a more advanced area seconds later. Rice swings it in but it doesn’t fall for Trossard at the back post, and Arsenal come again. Chris Wilson21 September 2025 17:57 Arsenal 0-1 Man City Arsenal seem to have recovered for now as they deal with a couple of corners before going up the pitch and winning their own. Saka delivers and it comes all the way to Trossard at the back pos, but his volley is blocked. Arsenal work it again, Eze disguising a pass through to Trossard on the left again, but his cross is behind all the Arsenal shirts! Chris Wilson21 September 2025 17:53 Arsenal 0-1 Man City CLOSE! For all Araenal’s attacking, City go closest again. Doku wins the loose ball on the edge of his box and drives through a couple of challenges before sliding a clever through ball to Haaland. The Norwegian gets into the box but hits a poor effort (by his standards) that Raya gets down to save. However, Eze is there to clear it but fires it straight at Rice, and the ball flies over the bar to prevent a freak own goal! Chris Wilson21 September 2025 17:51 Arsenal 0-1 Man City A rare City attack ends with Trossard dispossessing Nunes on the edge of the Arsenal box, but the hosts can’t make anything of the counter opportunity as Gyokeres fails to get to Saka’s speculative through ball. Arsenal win it back quickly enough though, with City again happy to let the hosts have possession for now. (Getty Images) Chris Wilson21 September 2025 17:48 Arsenal 0-1 Man City More sustained pressure from the hosts now, as Saka cuts in before seeing his shot deflected and Zubimendi can’t connect with his acrobatic effort on the rebound. Arsenal come again but the flag goes up against Saka after a promising combination on the right with Eze. Chris Wilson21 September 2025 17:46 ‘Arsenal have so far had an agitated energy’ The latest from Miguel Delaney at the Emirates: One piece of logic that has been suggested to me is that Arsenal are conscious of how City have had a tendency to tire after an hour as the team adapts to a new approach. The danger of that, of course, is that a game could be set by the time you’re trying to rescue it. Bringing on Saka and Eze will of course help… Arsenal have so far had an agitated energy, though. Chris Wilson21 September 2025 17:44 Arsenal 0-1 Man City We’re already seeing a different Arsenal here, as the Gunners get forward quickly before a deflected cross bounces out to Eze, who stings the palms of Donnarumma with a powerful half-volley. Chris Wilson21 September 2025 17:44 ‘Arsenal had too little flair in the first half’ Reaction from Richard Jolly at the Emirates: Arsenal had too little flair in the first half. On come Saka and Eze. Some might say they should have started. It looks like Eze will play centrally, with Merino going off. Richard Jolly at the Emirates21 September 2025 17:42 Arsenal 0-1 Man City Arsenal have started quickly an they have a chance early on, with Trossard switching the ball across to Saka, who beats Doku down the outside before clipping in a cross. It’s cleared out to Zubimendi, who fires narrowly over the bar. Chris Wilson21 September 2025 17:41 KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-1 Man City Back underway at the Emirates! Can those subs make the difference? City also make a sub, as Matheus Nunes comes on for Khusanov. Chris Wilson21 September 2025 17:39
Australian Women’s 7s team praises Fiji tour – FBC News
The Australian women’s sevens rugby team is using its tour of Fiji as a key part of its preparation for the upcoming World Series. The participated in the Paradise 7s which concluded yesterday at Churchill Park, Lautoka. According to Head Coach Tim Walsh, the trip has been an invaluable opportunity for the team’s development. Walsh says that while some players have been to Fiji before, a few are experiencing it for the first time and are embracing everything the country has to offer. He described Fiji as the “spiritual home of Sevens,” making it a perfect place to tour, develop as rugby players, and experience the culture. The team will be using the intense competition in Fiji and against other international teams to build a strong foundation for the new and more competitive World Series. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.