Batinikama are confident of defending the Vodafone and Bank of Baroda Vanua Levu Muslim Inter-District Championship (IDC) super premier division title this year.

The 10-day annual tournament began at Subrail Park in Labasa yesterday.

Batinikama team manager Yunus Ali said the team of 18 players have been training consistently with one aim and that defend the IDC.

“Since this IDC started we have won the super premier division nine times,” Ali said.

“That was in 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2011 and 2016.

“We have services of former district players like former Suva rep, Mohammed Iftikar, former Savusavu rep, Mohammed Zulfikar and former Labasa rep, Mohammed Rashid with current Dreketi rep Shoel Khan.

“We would like to thank all our sponsors including our major sponsor Nazia Hire Services,” he said.

“We are not underestimating the other 11 teams in the super premier division as we are aware that all have equally prepared.

“We would like urge all the people of Batinikama to come in big numbers to support us.”

Fixtures today: 5.30pm Nadogo-Bulileka; 6.20 Taveuni – Bua;

7.10 Batinikama – Seaqaqa SP

8.15 Tabia vs Valebasoga  SP

9.20pm Savusavu vs Korowiri Two SP