Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitobou yesterday congratulated the ‘Men in Black’ and Ba Primary Schools for their wins last month.

4R Electrical Ba defeated Nadi 2-0 in the Courts Inter-District Championship final at Govind Park

Ba Primary Under-12 defeated Seaqaqa 3-1in the Bongo IDC at Subrail Park in Labasa.

Tuitubou said the Ba Football was heading in the right direction.

“The ‘Men in Black’ have a 42 per cent success ratio, more than any other district association in the country,” he said.

“It is for this sole reason that I wish to thank Ba Football for the way in which you have administered the sport because your record definitely speaks for itself.”

He said the people of Ba also witnessed the launching of a book which highlights Ba’s football history.

“The book highlights 80 years of Ba soccer history from 1935 – 2015,” he said.

He said the Ba team had represented the country with distinction in the past in the OFC Champions League.

“We have the capability to qualify for FIFA- sanctioned tournaments like the World Cup but the onus is on each one of us to ensure that we rub shoulders with the big football playing nations of the world,” he said.

“If the Socceroos and the All Whites are capable of playing on the big stage, then I see no reason why we also cannot compete against the best of the best.”

Tuitubou urged the Ba teams to maintain the momentum and standard.

“I want to challenge you to contribute and give your utmost best in ensuring our national team surely is represented on the world stage,” he said.

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