Ba picks new coach

ROOSTER Chicken Ba Football has appointed its head coach after a rigorous interview process earlier this week.

Ba FC president Azam Ali confirmed two local coaches were shortlisted, and the chosen coach’s name will be unveiled following the second round of the Pillay Garments Champion Versus Champion series at Churchill Park in Lautoka tomorrow.

“We have selected the best coach for the job, and we will make the announcement after the second round of CVC this Sunday,” Ali said.

Ba FC faces the possibility of playing this Sunday without four of their police officers, including their lanky captain Etonia Dogalau, Ratu Dau, goalkeeper Misiwani Narube, and Praneel Naidu. This follows a statement from the Fiji Police Force prohibiting all police players from participating in sports at all levels.

When questioned, Ali expressed a desire to gather more information before commenting but asserted confidence in having backup players ready to step up.

Acting Ba head coach Sunil Kumar is determined for his side as they focus on polishing their weaknesses this week.

“Our main aim this week is to get our basics right and also we focused on our game structure and defensive play and minimise our errors,” Kumar said.

The players are all injury-free and available for this Sunday.

Ba needs a win with a margin of two clear goals to clinch the coveted title whilst Lautoka just needs a draw. Should the Men in Black lead 1-0 at full time without the away goals rule, the match could extend to extra time and penalty kicks.