RC Manubhai Ba FC, the reigning champions, will aim to secure back-to-back victories at this year’s FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC) at Churchill Park in Lautoka. With a remarkable 25 IDC titles since the tournament’s inception in 1938, Ba FC, known as the Men-in-Black, boasts a legacy of success in this prestigious competition.
Their first IDC victory came in 1961 when they defeated Nadi 2-1 at Prince Charles Park. Their second title followed in 1963, overcoming Suva 2-0 at the National Stadium. Ba achieved a three-year winning streak from 1966 to 1968 and an impressive six-year run from 1975 to 1980.
They have also recorded multiple back-to-back title wins, notably in 1996 and 1997, 2003 and 2004, with the most recent in 2006 and 2007.
Ba FC’s 2024 season has been a rollercoaster, marked by both highs and lows. In the Fiji FACT, the Men-in-Black were knocked out in the semi-finals, losing 2-0 to Navua. Their performance in the Rooster Chicken/Scoops Ice Cream Battle of the Giants (BOG) was less impressive, as they failed to qualify for the knockout stages.
In the Digicel Fiji Premier League, Ba FC had mixed results, finishing fourth. They secured eight wins, four draws, and suffered six losses, showcasing some inconsistency in their form throughout the season.
Ba FC is heading into the FMF IDC with high hopes of bouncing back under the guidance of their new head coach, Timoci Seru. Tasked with defending their title, Seru faces a challenging road ahead, as Ba FC has been placed in a tough Group B.
Their group includes reigning Digicel Fiji Premier League champions Rewa FC, known for their consistency and strength, along with the unpredictable Nadi FC, a team capable of causing upsets in big tournaments. Ba will also contend with Nadroga FC, the underdogs who have shown resilience and the ability to challenge stronger teams. Seru will need to rally his squad to navigate this competitive group and keep their title defense alive.
The Men-in-Black begin their title defense in the 2024 Flour Mills of Fiji (FMF) Inter District Championship (IDC) with a high-stakes clash against Nadi FC on Tuesday, October 15, at 8 pm. Their campaign continues Day Two with a showdown against Nadroga FC at 4 pm. Ba will conclude their Group B fixtures with a decisive encounter against Extra Rewa FC on Thursday, October 17, at 6 pm.
