Bese steals the show for Suva – FBC News
File Photo Former Fijiana 7s playmaker Younis Bese produced a moment of brilliance at the end, scoring a stunning match-winning try after the final hooter to hand Suva a 36–31 win over Kadavu in the second semifinal of the Subrails Marama Cup. The 2015 coke games blue ribbon champion showed her trademark pace and strength, breaking through Kadavu’s defence and diving over in the corner to seal the win. The match was a seesaw battle, with both sides refusing to back down. Article continues after advertisement Kadavu dominated the first half, scoring the opening two tries and leading 17–12 at the break. Suva, however, clawed their way back into the contest with composure, turning defensive pressure into attacking opportunities. The final minutes were tense, with both teams trading tries in a thrilling finish. But when Suva regained possession after the hooter, Bese seized her moment, slicing through from the wing and grounding the ball. Suva will now meet Namosi in the Marama Cup final. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Women’s Cricket World Cup: Alana King takes seven wickets against South Africa
Australia leg-spinner Alana King takes 7-18 against South Africa to record the best figures in Women’s World Cup history, surpassing Jackie Lord’s 6-10 in 1982. FOLLOW LIVE: ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup – Australia v South Africa Available to UK users only.
‘Kaizer Chiefs new striker played as an extra centre-back for Siwelele’
Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has compared new signings Etiosa Ighodaro and Flavio Da Silva to ex-Amakhosi forward Ranga Chivaviro. The 40-year-old anaylist argued that the club had once again failed to recruit quality strikers. Speaking on iDiski TV, the outspoken analyst criticised Chiefs’ recent transfer business, suggesting that the club should have targeted players with more versatility and mobility. Kaizer Chiefs slammed for lack of goals “Players like Ighodaro are good aerially, but I can’t rely on those types of strikers,” Khanye said. “I prefer someone like Iqraam Rayners, a striker who is effective both on the ground and in the air, who can create space and score goals.” Khanye went on to say that Ighodaro offers little improvement over the forwards already at the club. “Ighodaro is similar to [Ranga] Chivaviro. To me, there’s no difference, he won’t help you,” he added. “Him, Chivaviro, and [Flavio] Da Silva are the same. He even ended up playing like an extra centre-back for [coach Lehlohonolo] Seema,” the ex-Kaizer Chiefs slammed Ighodaro. Khanye’s comments come as Amakhosi continue to struggle in front of goal this season, with their new attacking signings yet to make a significant impact. Despite a good start to the season, Kaizer Chiefs have failed to win their last four matches and find themselves six points from log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. The Glamour Boys are in action at home against AS Simba in the CAF Confederation Cup needing a win to reach the group stages. Do you agree with Junior Khanye?
Naitasiri to face Malolo in Skipper Cup final – FBC News
File Photo Naitasiri will take on Malolo in the Skipper Cup final after staging a strong second-half comeback to beat Tailevu 31–26 in the second semifinal at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this afternoon. The Highlanders were trailing by 13 points at halftime but bounced back in the second spell with three well-worked tries to secure their place in the grand final. Naitasiri last featured in the Skipper Cup final in 2022, where they lost to Nadi. Article continues after advertisement Head coach Timoci Tuinaviti said it has been almost 25 years since Naitasiri last lifted the title, and the team is determined to prepare well for the final showdown. The last time Naitasiri met Malolo was in August during the Skipper Cup’s round one clash at Ratu Cakobau Park, where Naitasiri claimed a 36–16 victory. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Lorch scores audacious PANENKA penalty
Former Orlando Pirates and Sundowns star Thembinkosi Lorch is indeed back to his very best. A fully fit and confident Lorch has always been a treat, and now Wydad Casablanca are reaping the rewards of their faith in Nyoso. In his last three games, the South African star has two goals and one assist to his name. He was on hand for Wydad in their CAF Confederation Cup qualifier against Asante Kotoko on Friday evening. Take a look at his sublime penalty kick below. Video: Lorch scores audacious penalty goal During Wydad’s 5-1 triumph over Ghana’s Katoko, Thembinkosi Lorch scored a panenka penalty kick. Watch the highlights of his goal below. Following their victory, the Moroccan giants have officially qualified for the Confederation Cup group stages. They’ll be banking on their South African star to guide them to the prestigious title this season. Lorch joined Wydad on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns at the beginning of the year. He was arguably in the worst space of his career when he joined them, following a difficult spell at Masandawana. ‘Nyoso’ firing on all cylinders The former Orlando Pirates ace is back to his best form. So far at the Moroccan giants, he managed to score six goals in just 22 appearances. This includes some captivating performances at the FIFA Club World Cup. So much so that Wydad went all out to sign Lorch on permanent basis from Sundowns after the tournament. In total, the former Bafana Bafana star has made over 250 senior appearances in career. He has found the back of the net on 43 occasions while assisting an impressive 38 more goals.
Malolo through to Skipper Cup final – FBC News
[file photo] Malolo have made history after booking their spot in their first-ever Skipper Cup final, defeating Nadi 31–19 in the first semifinal at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this afternoon. The island side came in as underdogs but played with determination, proving they belong among Fiji’s top rugby teams. Malolo dominated the first half, scoring three converted tries through Tomasi Tawake, captain Imanueli Bari, and Semeli Karacia, while Nadi managed only one try. Article continues after advertisement Malolo led 21–5 at halftime. Playmaker Doglous Daveta was outstanding, controlling the game and creating several scoring opportunities for his teammates. In the second spell, Nadi showed signs of a comeback but a string of handling errors and penalties cost them crucial momentum. Malolo sealed the win with a try from Viliame Nalolo and a penalty from Tevita Ledua, securing their place in next week’s grand final. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Auvray to Coach Bula FC in Dual Role
The newly appointed Fiji national men’s football head coach, Stéphane Auvray, will take on a dual role, guiding both the country’s national team and its first professional football franchise, Bula FC, in the upcoming OFC Professional League. Auvray will be assisted by national assistant coach Marika Rodu, with both tasked to lead the new franchise through its debut season when the Oceania-wide competition begins in January 2026. Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel confirmed the arrangement during the launch of the Bula FC, saying it was a practical and financially sound decision given the short duration of the OFC Pro League, which runs from January to April next year. “If you appoint a skilled coach, it’s financially viable and logical to second them to the pro league side, and then they return to the national team,” Patel said.“This way, we maintain consistency and save costs, while ensuring the same high standards of coaching for both the national and professional teams.” Patel said the new setup would help align Fiji’s football development goals and strengthen the link between the national team and the emerging professional scene. “Having Auvray involved with both teams ensures that our best local talent gets exposure to professional-level coaching, which will raise the overall standard of the game in Fiji,” he added. Auvray’s immediate attention remains on preparing the national team for the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Papua New Guinea next month. Once the campaign concludes, Auvray and Rodu will turn their focus to Bula FC’s pre-season training, which is expected to begin in December. The establishment of Bula FC marks a major milestone for Fijian football, as the club becomes the country’s first professional franchise competing at the regional level. The move is seen as a crucial step toward developing a stronger domestic football structure and providing local players with professional opportunities at home. The OFC Professional League will be officially launched next Tuesday in Auckland, New Zealand, and will feature professional clubs from across the Pacific.
Bula FC Names Anushil Kumar as Interim CEO
Bula FC Names Anushil Kumar as Interim CEO – A Game-Changer for Fijian Football Bula FC, Fiji’s first professional football club, has appointed Anushil Kumar as its Interim Chief Executive Officer, marking a major milestone in the nation’s football history. The announcement was made during the club’s official launch in Suva, where Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel and Bula FC Chairman Mark McElrath highlighted the club’s vision to raise the standard of football across the Pacific. “It is both an honour and a responsibility,” said Kumar in his first interview since the appointment. “Bula FC is more than a team—it’s a national movement to give every Fijian player a chance to reach the professional stage.” Kumar, who has served Fiji Football in several senior capacities, brings extensive administrative experience to the new club. His immediate focus, he said, will be to establish the foundations of professional operations—from financial governance and technical staffing to youth-development pathways. “Our goal is to ensure that every young footballer in Fiji sees a future in the game,” he explained. “Bula FC will create pathways from school to professional football—opportunities that didn’t exist before.” Under his leadership, the club will collaborate closely with the Fiji Football Association, private investors, and sponsors to ensure sustainability. Kumar noted that the team is already working on player recruitment, community engagement, and commercial partnerships ahead of the 2026 OFC Professional League season. “Professional football is new to Fiji, so we’re building everything from the ground up,” he said. “Our focus is on integrity, structure, and opportunity—for players, coaches, and fans alike.” Kumar also emphasized the importance of uniting fans everywhere under the Bula Spirit. “We want every supporter to feel part of this journey — whether they’re here in Fiji or anywhere around the world,” he said. “This is more than just a football club; it’s a game-changer for football in Fiji, uniting fans under one spirit and one vision — the spirit of Bula.” The club’s leadership includes Chairman Mark McElrath, Acting Chief Commercial Officer Nazia Ali, and Head Coach Stéphane Auvray, all part of a team working to professionalize football in Fiji. Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel described Kumar’s appointment as “a critical step in ensuring that Bula FC’s management aligns with our national development goals.” “Anishil’s professionalism and deep understanding of the game make him the ideal leader to guide this project into its first professional season,” Patel said. Bula FC is set to represent Fiji in the inaugural OFC Professional League beginning January 2026. The competition will feature eight clubs from across the Pacific and is backed by a USD 20 million investment from the Saudi Tourism Authority. “This is a defining moment,” Kumar concluded. “For the first time, our players can dream of professional careers without leaving our shores. Bula FC will be the vehicle that turns that dream into reality.”
Namosi Women fight back to book spot in final – FBC News
Namosi Women staged a strong second-half comeback to book their place in the final after beating Nasinu 30-21 in the first Subrails Marama Cup semifinal at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this morning. Super-sub Vive Sikisawana was a game changer for Namosi, coming off the bench to score two tries; including the match-winner. Nasinu started well, taking a narrow 12-7 lead at halftime through a penalty and two tries. Article continues after advertisement But Namosi came out firing in the second half, showing renewed energy and determination. Both sides scored three tries each, but it was Sikisawana’s 70th-minute effort that sealed the win for Namosi. The victory gives Namosi another shot at redemption in the final, after finishing as runners-up for the past two years. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
World Track Championships: Great Britain’s Josh Charlton wins individual pursuit world title
Great Britain’s Josh Charlton defeats Rasmus Pedersen to secure his first world title with a victory in the Individual Pursuit at the World Track Championships. SEE MORE: Archibald wins historic silver at World Track Championships Available to UK users only.