Ba eager to end long drought of qualifying for top division competition

Ba rugby team aims to end the long drought of reaching top-level rugby competition in the country when they take on Northland in the Vodafone Vanua Championship semifinal on Friday.

 

Ba has not tasted tier 1 domestic rugby in the history of Fiji Rugby competition, the last time Ba reached the Vodafone Vanua promotional relegation was back in 2013 when they lost to Macuata.

 

It’s the first time for Ba to reach the Vodafone Vanua semifinals, and they’ve got nothing else in mind but to make it to the grand finale and earn a spot in the Skipper Cup next season.

 

Ba has been trying relentlessly to make it to Fiji Rugby’s top-level competition in the past years but fails to do so.

 

Last year Gabriel Naborisi a World Rugby level 2 accredited coach was appointed as their new head coach, and with his guidance and expertise Ba began to climb up the ladder and secure the second spot in the Vanua western division points table.  

 

Ba manager Serupepeli Kubunara Vereivalu said there has been a huge improvement in the Ba team ever since Naborisi took over.

 

“Coach has really developed our team to another level, and he’s helped our players a lot to bring their game up, we’re really thankful and we’re really looking to end the long drought of top-level rugby exposure here in Ba with the guidance of Mr. Naborisi.” said Vereivalu

 

Vereivalu added that the team has been preparing throughout the year and the moment is finally here for them to prove their worth to be in Fijis’ tier one competition.

 

“This is what we’ve been working hard for, what we’ve been preparing for and it’s finally here, we’ve reached the semi’s and it’s now we just need to go out there give all our best, get the job done, and get that victory for Ba.” Vereivalu added.

 

“In terms of fitness, the boys are all ready, they’re at that top level of fitness.”

 

“We’re really thankful to the Seal Team, a group of ex-players with a few government officials as they’ve been fully supporting us financially in getting the boys to the sand dunes, and providing all needed resources for our players.”

 

“At this stage, the players are ready for action, and they can’t wait to run onto the field and get the job done.”

 

“We respect Northland as they’re one of the best team in Fiji’s domestic competition, we’ll definitely bring our game up and go for that win,” said Vereivalu.

 

He’s also urging the Ba people in the province of Ba and those around Suva- Nausori area to come out in numbers and support their provincial team in this crucial match.

 

Ba will take on Northland 3 pm at Ratu Cakobau Park on Friday. Northland Women’s will take on Macuata in the women’s semifinal at 11 am while Northland takes on Ovalau in the Under-19 semifinal at 1 pm.