RA native Malakai Waqa scored from a wonder strike against Ba at the Inter District Championship ending Lautoka's 23-year winless jinx at Govind Park, widely renowned as the home of Fiji soccer.

The Shop N Save Lautoka midfielder scored the only goal to help the Sugar City boys hoist the coveted Lloyd Farebrother trophy and collected a $15,000 cheque.

The Sugar City players beat Ba in a pulsating final, after the Men In Black thrashed Labasa 3-0 in the semis.

Waqa, who has been a seasoned campaigner for the Blues, pulled off an awesome goal in the 40th minute of play when he hammered a piledriver from 20 metres out to beat Jone Sorolo for the 1-0 lead.

It was a double victory for the Sugar City side which also won the primary school title beating Ba 2-0 in the final.

Waqa, a University of Fiji student was overcome with emotions after referee Leone Rakoroi blew the final whistle.

The Fiji Under-20 rep dedicated the victory to the family members of the players and fans.

Waqa also acknowledged Blues striker Netani Momoivalu who is behind bars after being convicted for murder earlier this season.

The 21-year-old who was the unlikely hero said he was sure the ball was heading to the back of the net once it left his right boot.

"It was one of the best goals I have scored in my life," Waqa said.

"To score in the final against a team like Ba is just overwhelming. We have had our ups and downs this year. However, when it mattered most we stuck as a team. I must congratulate all those who helped us get through the preparations. Netani this win is for you."

For coach Dennis Singh, the win brought back memories of Ba's six in a row victory from 1975 to 1980. He was part of the 1980 team which defeated Nadi 1-0 at Govind Park.

Singh classed Waqa's strike as the same as the goal scored by Semi Tabaiwalu 28 years ago.

"It was from exactly the same spot. I can clearly remember Semi driving the ball to the back of the net and we won 1-0. I came into this tournament wanting to relive those fond memories of 1980 and these players have made my wish come true," said Singh.

Singh, a defender, also represented Lautoka and the national side.

He was part of the Ba team which went down to Lautoka at Govind Park in 1985.

"Back in 1985 I was part of the losing team," Singh said.

"Now some 23 years on I'm here standing here as a winner with Lautoka. It's just unbelievable."

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BA- Lautoka and Ba surged through to the final of the Courts Homecentres Inter District Championship in Fiji yesterday.

Lautoka skipper Jone Vono Junior led by example in the 2-0 semi-final win over Nadi and dedicated the opening goal to his parents.

Vono's first half strike demoralised Nadi and the side never recovered.

The 23-year-old cleverly broke clear to collect a cross from Malakai Waqa before chipping the ball over Ben Amino for his third goal in the IDC.

"The goal is dedicated to my parents, Jone Senior and mum Mereani Kalokalo who are here to support me. They have always supported my decision to play soccer.

"To score and contribute for the team is great.

"We came here, I told the players to give their best and enjoy the game. We had a plan and came out firing to win."

"I believe in the boys, they have been struggling at training for the last three weeks since we have been camping and we are reaping the rewards," he said.

Veteran Salesh Sami Bula fisted the air in jubilation after the nippy striker made his presence felt in the semi-final with a class finish to end all hopes of a Nadi comeback.

The Field 40 star came in as a replacement for Osea Vakatalesau and made an instant impact.

His elder brother Peni and Laitia Tuilau starred in defence for the Blues while for Nadi Viliame Toma was always a threat.

In the other semi final Maciu Dunadamu made a miraculous recovery from a leg injury to score the opening goal in Ba's 3-0 triumph over Labasa.

Dunadamu proved his critics wrong when he nailed a left footer in the 35th minute catching Shamal Kumar unawares under the crossbar.

The national rep who was not expected to return in the black colours after an injury on Saturday made a timely return to set Ba in the right direction in defence of the title.

Ba sparked into action after a nil all first spell scoring three classic goals.

Ba coach Yogen Datt said his positional changes in the second half made the difference.

He said it was good to beat Labasa in front of such a large crowd.

Datt said Ba's win over Labasa silenced many critics.

"It was certainly a good result," Datt said.

"It was a tight encounter. We made a few changes in the second half and it was the turning point."

The home side found the opener five minutes into the second half.

Dunadamu took an ambitious aim towards the Labasa goalmouth from 25 metres.

On the angle the low shot seemed to be on the way out but hit the corner of the et to the surprise of the Labasa defenders.

The goal gave a new lease of life to the home side. Ba moved into attacking mode threatening from both flanks.

Pita Bolaitoga set up the second goal in the 48th minute.

His timely cross found an unmarked Tuimasi Manuca in the box who easily tapped it in.

Ba sealed the win in the final moments with goal scoring machine Malakai Tiwa finding the net with a classic free kick.

The two teams were tipped to meet in the final, but this did not eventuate, and Labasa went out.

Former Italian women's captain Caroline Morace told an audience in Dunedin she was determined the next generation of female players would have more opportunities than she did.

Morace appeared on stage before soccer faithful at John McGlashan College with former Football Fern Michelle Cox as part of the Official Fifa Ambassadors Tour to give a talk on the future of women's football.

She will hold a coaching session with several elite junior female players from around the Otago region today.

"If Fifa asked me to do anything to help New Zealand football, I would do so instantly," she said after the talk.

"The country here is so beautiful, and the people are so friendly. And as an Italian, I know about these things."

Morace began her international career at the age of 14.

Over 15 years she scored 105 goals in 150 games for Italy.

She is the only woman in the world with the highest certification in professional coaching.

She said it had only recently become easy for women to get acknowledged in the sport. "When I began, there weren't the opportunities that there are now, especially in Italy, where it is dominated by the men's game."

She became the first woman to coach a men's professional team in Europe when she took over Viterbese in 1999.

Morace, who admires the work of Jose Mourinho (Inter Milan) and Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United), said changes in coaching had led to increased skills at the top women's level.

"It's important to start very simple. Some coaches want their young players to play matches against one another all the time in training, and that's OK, but then how many times will a back get the chance to practise shooting at a goal?

"You have to make sure everyone has all-round skills."

While many international teams preferred the long-ball game, she preferred more close-style passing.

"The long-ball game is fine, but the close passing is more compact," she said.

"It requires a lot more skill, and players have to be flexible, but I think it looks beautiful."

She could not pick a winner for the Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup.

"It's so hard to tell at this level, because there are so many cycles of young players coming through. There are no dominant teams."

The Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup runs from October 28-November 16.

Matches will be played in Christchurch, Hamilton, Wellington and Auckland.

Story by Matthew Littlewood from Otago Daily Times, Sat 11 October 2008.

For full story from Otago Daily Times click here

AS the dust settles at the 70th Courts Homecentres Inter-District Championship in Fiji on Saturday afternoon, the question football fans were asking is who will deny Vodafone Ba its hat-trick.

The best four teams have qualified and were involved in the semi finals on Sunday morning, with Ba facing Vodafone Labasa at 8.30am and Lautoka playing Nadi at 10am.

Defending champion Ba bounced back in style yesterday to qualify for the semi-final.Ba, which at the start of the day, was on the verge of crashing out, walloped Nasinu 6-0 and Tavua 2-0 to make the last four.

The side aims to make it three titles in a row, but will face a tough outing, as it has not been in the best form.But as all fans know, the side is a different outfit when it comes to sudden death stages.

Ba coach Yogen Datt said his side started slow and still had a few areas to work on.

Labasa thumped Nadroga 4-0 to secure a semi-final berth, before beating Rewa 1-0 in its last match.

Nadi joined the Babasiga Lions after a 1-1 draw with Suva.

Suva opened the scoring through Tony Chillia, before Viliame Toma levelled scores for Nadi. Nadi coach Ravuama Madigi is confident of breaking the drought for the Jetsetters, saying they had a solid game plan.

Suva, who lodged a protest against Nadroga after it lost 1-0, was asked to provide video evidence.

Suva claimed Nadroga striker Ratu Veresa Toma had played despite having copped two yellow cards.Suva president Maritino Nemani said they felt robbed.

Lautoka beat Navua 2-0 in the final pool match last night.Valerio Nawatu and Niumaia Tagi got the goals for the Blues.New Zealand-based striker Osea Vakatalesau featured for Lautoka. 

IDC Results 

Ba 0 Navua 0

Lautoka 3 Nasinu 1

Suva 0 Rewa 0

Ba 6 Nasinu 0

Ba 2 Tavua 0

Labasa 4 Nadroga 0

Labasa 1 Rewa 0

Nadi 1 Suva 1

Nadroga 1 Suva 0

Lautoka 2 Navua 0

Hekari Souths United FC are ready for the challenges of the O-League according to club owner John Kapi Natto.

The PNGFA Vice President and NSL Board chairman was speaking after Hekari returned from a  successful trip to Brisbane where they played an International friendly match against the Sunshine Coast FC, the Queensland State League champions.

Natto said the teams preparation so far has been very good. In terms of morning and afternoon training, the boys are continuing to give 100 per cent into the physical and tactical training.

"After beating Solomon Islands Under-23 (Solympics) 4 -2, Marist FC 4-1 and then beating the Sunshine Coast FC 3-1 last week, I can say our boys are ready for Solomon Islands and Fiji champion clubs," Natto said.

He said that injured defender Jacob Pekau has returned to camp and will go through the remaining training with the boys and also undergo final medical check ups if he is injury free.

Pekau will add height to booster the backline and will be assisted by Cyril Muta, Brian Tuhiana and Koriak Upaiga.

"We are still negotiating with a defender from the Rewa Football Club in Fiji and we hope that he will soon join us But that depends on whether clearances of release are given by the Fiji Football Association".

Hekari South's entry into the O-League will be the first time a club from Papua New Guinea has entered the competition

Natto said the management are well focussed to see Hekari become successful in the 2008 O-League campaign.

"The preparation has been good and I urge all our supporters to come in numbers and support our Hekari Souths United FC (PNG) as they will be up against Fiji’s BA FC on December 13," he said.

Natto said this is exciting for PNG football now as the OFC’s premier competition, the O-League will now come to PNG soil for the first time and I am also very excited about it.

This will see the champions of each Pacific country battle it out to represent the Oceania region in the annual FIFA Club World Cup tournament in Japan. 

DUBAI - As the Solomon Island futsal side is in transit, waiting to return home, team correspondent James Rufhus reflects on the Kurukuru's first ever visit to a FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Solomon Kurukuru might not have won any games at the FIFA Futsal World Cup, but off the field they were big winners as ambassadors for their nation. If first impressions really are everything then all of the Solomon Islands have benefitted from the six weeks that the fourteen young men have been away. Most people the team encountered had never met a someone from the Happy Isles before, however if you asked them now to describe a typical Solomon Islander then they would enthusiastically paint a picture of a friendly, respectful, and above all, joyous person.

The scene of Kurukuru leaving the Brasilia Palace Hotel was telling of the relationship that the team built with everyone around them during the tournament. Hotel managers, cleaners, security gaurds, police and various World Cup staff all turned out to say goodbye and wish them well. 'I've been working in the hotel industry for seven years,' said Team Liason Officer Manager Eduardo, ' and I've never met a sports group like this before. We love you – thank you.'

On returning from their opening World Cup game against Cuba the boys found a small cake on each of their beds, attached was a note that read 'Your singing gives our hotel energy, have a nice Championship'. The gesture referred to the team's morning devotion that begins with two or three songs of praise. What Kurukuru did not know was that their songs carried throughout the hotel and were given staff an uplifting start to the day.

The next morning they were requested to worship not in a small hotel room as usual, but in the lobby. A crowd of staff gathered and Head of Delegation Pastor Seru lead the team and onlookers through a morning devotion that was memorable for all. 'They liked our songs, but it's not only entertainment,' said Seru, 'it's worship. For everyone that's met us we are not losers because we really represent our nation and Jesus well.'

The way the team played its futsal also won many admirers, including the Brazilian media and Futsal team. Although they were beaten in all their games, Kurukuru's potential was recognised by people with knowledge of the game and encouraging words were never far away. At Brasilia airport it was a photographer who worked at the World Cup at liked what he saw. When they got off the plane in Sao Paulo it was a young woman who came over and said that her mother saw them playing on television and was impressed with their spirit and skills. Certainly it is a rare team that loses a match 32–2 and can still inspire a rapturous response from the crowd as they leave the court.

Kurukuru is currently in Dubai, en-route to Singapore, then Brisbane and finally back to home on Sunday at 12:30pm. And friends, family or fans wanting to greet them at Henderson Airport are most welcome – they surely deserve it!

The Papua New Guinea Football Association headed by David Chung is looking to improve the country’s referees.

Chung spoke of the importance of referees in Papua New Guinea before departing for New Zealand for the under-17 girls World Cup this month.

"Referees play an important part in our game and it is appropriate they get more training and development to help bring the game to a higher level," Chung said.

With this vision PNGFA has lured Neil Poloso to run the “OFC’s PNGFA referees and referees instructors course” under the banner of FIFA.

The aim of this course is to enhance referees skills and technique and also open the pathway for referees to get a FIFA ref badge should they excel.

And with the NSL getting stronger every year, PNGFA is targeting referees to better their skills and technique so that the competition is on track for future development.

Poloso will arrive on Saturday. The next day he will fly to Lae for the five-day workshop.The course will see about 30 participants both old and new taking part.

The referees and referees instructors course starts from October 12 to 16 and will be held at the PNFA academy in Lae.

PNGFA Southern region development officer Taku Niebo said all referee co-ordinators in each member associations must submit names of the participants.

“Only 30 places are available for this course,” Niebo said.

“We will only allow 10 participants for the instructors course while 20 will be for the referees.”

He said nominated referees would have to meet their own costs to Lae and back.

FIJI’S wonder boy Roy Krishna showed how much he has learnt from his exposure with Waitakere United, as the player from Siberia got a brace for Vodafone Labasa in their 3-0 wn over  Suva at the Courts Homecentres Inter District Competition at Govind Park.

Vanuatu striker Joseph Namiriau scored the third goal and the two have formed a deadly combination and yet again could prove to be the key to Labasa's progress on western soil. Labasa has never won a title in the west and are keen to end the drought.

Suva, who have not won the IDC for 25 years, did not look like a winning team and might have to wait for another year based on their performance last night.

The Whites defence and pattern of play was way off the mark and coach Oscar Tembo will have to dig deep if he is to bring glory to the capital city.

Suva will know today if it will progress further in the tournament as the side has two matches. The Inosi Cava-captained side will meet Esala Masi's Nadroga before facing arch-rivals Rewa.

Nadi and Nadroga played out a 0-0 draw in the opening match of the tournament while Tavua beat Nasinu 2-1.

Nadroga has the best chance to cement a place in the semi-finals as the side has two matches today. Apart from Suva, the import laden side will play Rewa, which is expected to be a thriller.

Nasinu is another side with a tough challenge ahead as they face two matches against a star-studded Navua and Lautoka.

Navua with imports Matthew Williams and Che Bunce from New Zealand along with Rasmus Hansen from Denmark, has never won the IDC.

Navua soccer president Anil Sharma wants that to end but it will take a mammoth effort from the side.

Tavua goalkeeper Jone Turagarere was the hero for Tavua in its 2-1 win over a luckless Nasinu.

The veteran goalkeeper who turns 40 next month proved that age is no barrier in sports, pulling several magnificent saves to deny Nasinu a bright start in the tournament.

Tavua coach Lambert Sarju heaped praises on Turagarere, adding he could match top goalies in the country.

The side has not been given much of a chance by most. however, the performance put on by the minnows, could see the side spring a few surprises in Ba.

Gone was the Tavua pattern of kick and chase, as the side resorted to more constructive football. Sarju said the side was not at the tournament to make up the numbers.

"We are happy with the first win, but we still have three games to go and we need to sharpen up on attack," Sarju said.

"Most have been talking about the bigger teams, and we would prefer to stay the underdogs."

Esava Naitisiwai got a goal in each half to earn Tavua the three points.

Nasinu with imports Robert Mafane and Aldrine Kilua combined well early in attack, however Tavua scored on the counter in the eighth minute.

Nasinu managed to equalise through Kaushik Kumar moments before half-time after a defensive blunder.

Naitasiwai sealed Tavua's win with a thunderous drive two minutes before full time.

Tavua will play Lautoka today.

Oakley Cannons striker Ratu Veresa Toma says it is critical for Nadroga to start scoring from its next match. This after the Stallions were held to 0-0 draw by Nadi .

The 27-year-old, dreadlocked warrior from Yako Village showed glimpses of his old form, which made him a feared striker on the local scene, before he sustained a career threatening knee injury.

"It is good to be back playing in Fiji after a long time," Toma said.

"I am improving with every game since recovering from injury and I am pleased to have played well in such a competitive game.

"We should have won by two goals, but we are happy with the draw because Nadi too had chances and both teams played really well.

Nothing much can be said about the game because it was our first one together."

Toma said despite the draw, the side was happy with the result and overall performance.

"A chance is always a chance and you have got to take it to be in the last four," he said.

"I am sure we will start scoring goals from the next game and also be one of the teams in the semi-finals." Nadi coach Ravuama Madigi hailed his defenders and said they were lucky to escape with a point.

"The backline was outstanding. They are good ball players and also very physical," Madigi said.

"Nadroga had two good chances which the goalkeeper did very well to save."

Madigi said Nadi would regroup and return a stronger unit for today's game against Labasa.

"We need to improve to beat Labasa," he said.

With a combined total of overseas-based 10 players featuring in the opening game, Nadi and Nadroga set the stage for what will be a fiercely contested IDC.

The class of both the teams was clearly evident from the start with a number of shots fired on target.

Tayfun Derrimol missed Nadroga's best chance after being put into space by Esala Masi midway in the first half while the footwork of crafty Tolgay Ozby is sure to keep fans amused in the tournament.

Lautoka and Ba played a 1-1 draw.

Lautoka’s Valerio Nawatu scored in the 24th minute, but Fiji striker Maciu Dunadamu equalised within two minutes.

AUCKLAND – The Thai Airways All Whites have rocketed up 57 places in the latest FIFA rankings to 54th, following back-to-back 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign wins over New Caledonia in September.

Convincing home (3-0) and away (3-1) victories over the French territory booked a place at next year’s 2009 Confederations Cup, and a two-legged playoff with the fifth best Asian team for a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and earned Ricki Herbert’s men the title of best mover for October.

New Caledonia, who had briefly overtaken the All Whites as Oceania’s top ranked team in September slipped 27 places to 122nd.

The All Whites, whose highest position since FIFA World Rankings began was 47 in 2002, have climbed over 100 places since beginning their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign in September 2007.

Five wins from as many FIFA World Cup qualifiers to date have seen the All Whites leave behind last September’s record low of 156th.

The All Whites’ final World Cup qualifier against Fiji – originally scheduled as the campaign’s opener in Albany – will be played on November 19 in Lautoka.

Meanwhile, European champions Spain extended their lead at the top of the rankings ahead of nearest challengers Italy and Germany, while Brazil moved up two places to fourth.

Spain, Italy, and Brazil, have all qualified for next year’s FIFA Confederations Cup which also includes USA (ranked 21st), Egypt (22), Iraq (77) and South Africa (85).

Korea Republic, currently Asia’s fifth-ranked team, sit one place below New Zealand in 55th.

Ricki Herbert believes the Thai Airways All Whites’ latest world ranking of 54 could be a catalyst for increased international opportunities.

The All Whites shot up 57 places in the October edition of FIFA’s rankings, to reach their highest position since 2002, and Herbert reckons that could lead to higher-profile friendlies in the build-up to the Confederations Cup in South Africa next June.

“It adds a quality profile to the team and in that respect it’s a timely rise given the draw for the FIFA Confederations Cup is on November 22,” Herbert said.

“We may be seen as ideal opposition through Asia now, especially given the World Cup playoff coming up next year.”

“It also shows the importance of the results in our qualifying campaign, with the weighting pace on them.”

The rise up the rankings charts is also significant for players looking for contracts with European clubs.

England’s Home Office, for example, will automatically grant work permits to players from nations ranked in the top 70, and who have played in 75% of the country’s ‘A’ matches in the previous two years.

“I’m delighted for the players. It’s a fantastic achievement and now it creates potential opportunities for them and the team.”

Story provided by NZF Media. For more visit www.nzsoccer.com