Ba Football boss eyes historic win

Ba Football Association (Ba FA) president Praneel Dayal has set his sights on a his­toric OFC Champions League tri­umph in 2027.

Dayal, who took over Ba FA this year, said he was embarking on a personal mission to bring OFC Champions League glory to Ba.

"Yesterday (Wednesday) was dad's birthday; and with his blessings, I am embarking on a personal mission to bring the OFC Champions League glory to Ba," Dayal said.

He said the journey since taking over has already produced signifi­cant results, with Ba winning the Fiji FACT and the Extra Premier League (EPL) qualifying them to next year's Champions League.

"I told you we would learn, re­build, and conquer. Look at us today: Fiji FACT champions and Na­tional League champions.

"To see our boys lift those trophies and bring that silverware back home to Govind Park, is what this club is all about."

Ba's qualification for the 2027 Champions League, he said, was more than another achievement for the club.

"It is not just a tick on a checklist; it is a promise kept to every single one of you who stood by the team when we were hurt," he said.

But before turning their attention on the Champions League, Ba will have to host the Extra Battle of the Giants tournament.

Dayal said they are targeting to win the B.O.G title.

"Let me assure you: we are enter­ing this tournament to win. Playing at home in front of our people, we will give everything we have on that pitch to take the B.O.G trophy;" he said. "Winning at home matters, but my eyes are fixed on history. Next year, Fiji hosts the OFC Champions League. No Fijian team has ever won it. No Fiji club has ever taken that ultimate step to dominate the competition," Dayal said.

He indicated that the focus is building a strong and disciplined squad capable of challenging for the title.

"I just want to see our people happy. You deserve more than just domestic cups. You deserve the ab­solute highest peak of football in the region. My focus, my drive, is to build a squad so strong and disci­plined that in 2027, we give Ba fans the ultimate prize that has eluded our country."

Dayal said every decision made by the club and every match played would be part of that long-term plan.