Delta Tigers chance to end year on a high
The Rewa Football side were a team to be reckoned with in Fiji. Not anymore.
They have won many titles, produced top players such Vula Wate, Mohammed Salim, Abdul Mannan, Jim Okete, Vatu King, Eroni Kubulala, Walter Southey, Dennis Murray, Lorima Dau, Fred Tagilala, Pita Rabo, Sakeo Valevou, Simi Tamanisau, Marika Rodu, Iosefo Verevou, Setareki Hughes, Tevita Waranivalu and the list goes on as one of the most vibrant local league competitions in the country.
But this season has been one to forget for the team’s fans, officials and players, marked by one underwhelming performance after another
The Delta Tigers failed to reach the semi-finals of both the Vodafone Fiji FACT and the Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants despite heavy investment in the squad.
This included the signings of Kavaia Rawaqa and Savenaca Baledrokadroka, recruited to strengthen the defence and midfield respectively but are yet to make an impact.
But Rewa’s problems were most pronounced in the Vodafone Premier League, where the Southerners narrowly avoided relegation.
Coach Rabo’s side finished level on points with last-placed Tavua, losing to them 1-0 on the final day but surviving on a superior goal difference.
In 14 VPL matches, Rewa only managed to score nine goals, an abysmal return considering that now-relegated Tavua had the same amount.
Forwards Hughes and Waranivalu were the team’s best performers by far this season.
But they too appeared isolated at times owing largely to confusing tactics, players stationed out of position and an aging defence that left much to be desired.
Off-the-field, Rewa struggled to find a permanent coach. Youth coach Nigel Khan was appointed on an interim basis in January but resigned a month later following a heavy 6-1 defeat to Nadi. The Delta Tigers would go on to take just nine points from a possible 30 in the next 10 games following Khan’ departure, their abject form pushing them deeper and deeper into the red zone.
Not all is lost yet, though. This month’s Courts Interdistrict Championship presents an opportunity for Rewa to redeem themselves in some ways.
Rewa are in Group B alongside Nadi, Nasinu and Suva. They have done well against Nasinu and Suva this season and will fancy their chances.
While a win won’t solve all their problems, it might temporarily stem the rising tide of fan discontent as pressure on president Nazeel Buksh continues to grow.