It’s always heartening to see local companies come forward to not only sponsor but to own a football club.

Such thing happens once for a while but today one such company is Rank Investment/ Ranjesh & Company, chartered accountant, auditor and property investment.

The company is the major sponsor and takes full control of the Kingz Football Club that play in the Nadi FA Local League competition.

According to company owner Ranjesh Kumar, their business operations started in 2014.

“Our business was formed in 2013,” he said.

“We started with one staff and today we have 4 staff members and soon we will employ one more.”

Kumar said the business is taking big steps forward and reaching high standards.

His love for football saw the company back the Kingz FC.

“I’ve a lot of interests in sports especially soccer and I do really love the game.”

Kumar said their commitment to football saw them invest close of $30,000 to the club.

“That’s for local league we are in. However, if the team reach the National Club Championship we may invest another $10,000.”

He indicated that most of the funds are directed towards the players’ welfare.

“The Kingz FC club was formed in 2007 and was affiliated with Nadi FA since 2008. In 2008 and 2009 the club was in the senior division. In 2010 the club was automatically promoted to Premier and from 2011 the club won the premier title with a record of nine wins and three draws. We were undefeated.”

During the 2011 season the club had the services of district reps Simione Vesa, Ratu Tuinaceva, Raj Sebastian, Kitione Tauyavu, Asesela Vesa and Elisoni Sautakelo who took club to newer heights.

In 2012 the club played in the top division and maintained their super premier status.

Kumar said for this season the club is taking a new approach as move towards embracing professionalism.

Kingz FC have recruited nine Nadi football stars who have also gone on to represent the national football team. They are Inia Boko, Vereti Dickson, Waisake Tabucavu, Afraz Ali, Josevata Malakai, Andrew Naicker, Luke Rawadamu, Rusiate Materega and Napolioni Qasevakatini.

Also joining them from Ba is Aisea Codro and Mikaele Waqanicakau along with Ravneel Naidu from Lami FA and Roneel Ram from Tailevu/Naitasiri.

“Kingz FC is aiming to win the Nadi FA club title as well as the NCC. It’s been a long time that a club from Nadi hasn’t won the title and we will give the best when our turn comes.”

Uvnesh Naidu, an AFL employee is the Kingz FC president.

“A young person of quality, very nderstanding and can be a big boost to the club in terms of leadership qualities. Anesh Lal a businessman and owner of Narewa Food Plus, is the secretary of the club. He misses our games due to his busy business schedule however he is always there to support us.” Kumar said Penaia Pio, a former Ba and Nadroga representative is the coach of the side.

“Pio is a very friendly person and has a good understanding of the game. He runs with the players and consults the players on fundamental aspects on the game and how they could improve their training programme and football skills.

“Pio during his playing days for Ba and Nadroga knew what it was like to win national championships like the National Football League, Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants and the Interdistrict Championship.

“Pio last played for Nadroga in the 2002 B.O.G where they won the title. He is now coaching at club level for the first and has high hopes of furthering his coaching career. Our team manager is Abdul Riyaz Khan the owner of Wild West Investment.”

Kumar said been the founder, owner and president of the club from 2007 to 2013. Due to business commitments he gave his position to Naidu, the current president since he was the longest serving member of the club.

“If we want to make a winning team we need a winning combination like having the right players, coach and manager backed by a dynamic management team.”

Kumar said they hosted their first ever club presentation at Curry House Restaurant in Nadi, where the Member of Parliament Howard Politini was the chief guest together.

“Items were presented to players and officials. These items include Tappoo products, Nike canvas, football boot, socks, t- shirts and muscle vest. This has been a historical event for the club where cose to 60 people turned up for the event.”

Over the years, Kumar says, he has seen that the Nadi Football Referees Association was often neglected so his company stepped in to assist.

“15 t-shirts were handed over to NFRA with our company logo and branding. Referees’ play a major part in controlling the game and at the end of the day many look at them in a negative way. We must support them so that improvements can be done and I have taken further measures to look into this. We all are human beings and mistakes do happen, no such person is perfect in life. So far I have seen the NFRA at their best and they have done things fairly. It’s a first ever sponsor for them as we may continue our support in the near future.”