FROM guiding Fiji to its first FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2015 to leading Ba to a clean sweep of domestic football titles, Ravinesh Kumar continues to add memorable chapters to his coaching career.
The experienced coach has capped off a remarkable 2026 season after guiding Dayals Steel Ba FC to the Fiji FACT, Extra Premier League, Extra Battle of the Giants and FMF Inter-District Championship titles.
The Men in Black completed their four-title sweep on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Vantex Solutions Navua FC in the final of the 86th FMF IDC at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
David Supa broke the deadlock in the 80th minute before Etonia Dogalau converted a penalty seven minutes later to seal Ba’s 26th IDC crown.
For Kumar, the achievement is another milestone in a coaching journey that has taken him from district football to the international stage.
A former Ba and Nasinu representative, Kumar began his coaching career in school football before working under the late Farouk Janeman at Ba.
He later made history by guiding Fiji to qualification for the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand, the country’s first appearance at a FIFA World Cup tournament.
Kumar also served as Fiji Football Association technical director and became the first Fijian coach to obtain an A-Licence coaching qualification.
His return to Ba this season, however, came with a different challenge.
Initially appointed director of football, Kumar took over as head coach in May following a coaching reshuffle under Ba FA president Praneel Dayal.
With the Men in Black determined to reclaim their place at the top of domestic football, Kumar faced the task of turning expectations into results.
He delivered.
Ba ended a 16-year BIC Fiji FACT title drought before claiming the Extra Premier League crown and lifting the Extra Battle of the Giants trophy in front of their home supporters at 4R Stadium, Govind Park.
The FMF IDC triumph completed a season in which Kumar’s experience, tactical approach and ability to manage his squad proved valuable.
Winning the league demanded consistency, while the three major tournaments tested Ba’s ability to perform under knockout pressure.
Kumar’s side passed both tests.
The achievement is particularly meaningful for a coach who once represented Ba and understands the expectations that come with wearing the famous black jersey.
His success has also reflected the collective efforts of president Dayal, the association executives, coaching staff and players, who have worked together to restore Ba’s dominance.
While the four trophies represent a remarkable achievement, they also bring a fresh challenge for Kumar, with the Men in Black now expected to defend their titles next season.
For now, the experienced coach can savour another proud moment in a career already highlighted by Fiji’s historic World Cup qualification.
Eleven years after taking Fiji football onto the world stage, Kumar has delivered another golden chapter — this time for the district he once represented.
