ConnectFiji

11/24/2025

Ba FC President Presents Rewa FC President With Special IDC 2025 Framed Keepsake
In a heartfelt display of friendship and mutual respect, Ba Football Association president Praneel Dayal visited his Rewa counterpart, Nazeel Buksh, to personally deliver a framed photograph capturing a cherished moment between the two leaders.
The photo, labelled “IDC 2025,” shows both presidents smiling together ahead of the FMF Inter-District Championship final at Govind Park in Ba.
Despite Ba FC’s loss to Rewa FC in the title decider, Dayal said the visit and the gift underscored the enduring bond between the two football administrators.
“Football is more than a competition — it’s about unity, respect, and relationships. This photo is a reminder of that spirit,” Dayal said.
Buksh expressed his gratitude for the gesture, noting that it reflected the strong camaraderie between the two districts.
“We may compete fiercely on the field, but our shared passion for developing the game brings us together. I’m truly honoured by this thoughtful gift from Praneel and the Ba FA family,” Buksh said.

11/23/2025

Congratulations to Vanuatu on being crowned the 2025 MSG Prime Minister’s Football Cup Challenge Premiership Champions!

11/22/2025

Fiji and Spain Complete Their Captains’ Run in Málaga Ahead of Major International Clash

Málaga became the center of the rugby world today as Fiji and Spain held their traditional captains’ runs — the final training session before their highly anticipated international match this weekend.
The Fijian delegation stepped onto the pitch at Estadio Ciudad de Málaga for their last round of preparations. Under the warm autumn sun and in a relaxed atmosphere, the Pacific side ran through set moves and fine-tuned their tactics, staying true to their dynamic, physical style of play that has made them a global force.
Spain, meanwhile, conducted their captains’ run at the Manuel Becerra Sports Complex. Head coach Pablo Bouza led an intense and focused session as the squad sharpened their final details.
It has been confirmed that Alberto Carmona Molina — a Málaga-trained talent currently playing for Colomiers Rugby in France’s Pro D2 — will feature in the starting XV. Marbella-born ho**er Pablo Miejimolle, who plays for VRAC Quesos Entrepinares and has also been called up for this match, will begin on the bench but is expected to take the field during the game.
The session was also attended by Antonio José Martín Moreno, Sports Councillor for the Rincón de la Victoria City Council, and Ignacio Cuadra Torres, Councillor for the Youth Department. The municipality has provided the training facilities for the national team’s preparation.
The day produced a striking contrast: Fiji’s trademark power and Polynesian flair on display at the Ciudad de Málaga, and Spain’s discipline and determination at Manuel Becerra. Two different settings, both building toward what promises to be a historic match for Spanish rugby.

11/22/2025

Canada U-16 Set for Pacific Community Cup 2025
The Canada U-16 squad is preparing for a landmark appearance at the 2025 Pacific Community Cup, marking an exciting new chapter for the tournament and for young Fijian-heritage footballers abroad.
First, congratulations to all officials, parents, and players whose dedication has made this opportunity possible. Your hard work has created an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
To the players: this is your moment. Step onto the field ready to give your best, play with discipline, and support one another. Football is built on teamwork — not individual effort — and your unity will define your journey. The introduction of the U-16 division at this year’s tournament will inspire many in attendance, especially as they watch young Fijian-heritage athletes showcase their abilities and push for future selection into the Fiji Youth National Team.
Stay respectful, stay disciplined, and stay focused. Opportunities like this do not come often — write your own history.
CHASING GLORY AT PACIFIC CUP 2025
Five talented young players from California have been selected to compete at the Pacific Cup 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand, from November 26–30, representing the U16 Canada All-Stars:
• William Kanhai
• Armaan Khalik
• Izaya Buksh
• Neil Sharma
• Haaziq Mohammed
We extend our best wishes to them and their teammates as they take the field, represent with pride, and chase glory on one of the region’s biggest youth football stages.
Best of luck to the entire Canada U-16 team and management.

11/21/2025

⚽ FINAL WEEKEND BEGINS!
TOMORROW at the Sir John Guise Stadium, the MSG Cup 3rd/4th playoffs take the spotlight as teams compete for a strong finish.
Don’t miss the action before the grand finals on SUNDAY! 🔥

11/20/2025

CRISTIANO RONALDO THANKS PRESIDENT FOR WARM WELCOME DURING OFFICIAL VISIT

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his gratitude to the President for the invitation and the gracious hospitality extended to him and his fiancée, Georgina Rodríguez, during their recent visit.
In a message shared publicly, Ronaldo thanked both the President and the First Lady for the warm reception, noting that the experience was meaningful for him personally and professionally.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for your invitation and for the warm welcome you and the First Lady gave me and my future wife, ,” Ronaldo said. “Each of us has something meaningful to give, and I stand ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility, and lasting peace.”
The visit highlighted the football star’s growing involvement in international goodwill efforts and his continued commitment to using his global influence in support of unity, youth empowerment, and global cooperation.
Ronaldo’s message quickly gained widespread attention, with fans praising his diplomatic tone and his emphasis on shared responsibility and peace-building.
As one of the world’s most recognizable athletes, Ronaldo’s engagement in such conversations continues to resonate far beyond football, reinforcing his role not only as a sports icon but also as a global ambassador for positive change.

11/20/2025

PAPUA NEW GUINEA are through to the GRANDFINAL of the Inaugural Women's MSG Prime Minister's Cup Tournament.

11/20/2025

PACIFIC WARRIORS SET FOR HISTORIC DEBUT AT THE 2026 McDONALD’S CORAL COAST FIJI 7s
Canada-based squad featuring Tevita Daugunu to make long-awaited first appearance at Lawaqa Park
The McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s is proud to announce the debut of the Pacific Warriors—a rising Canada-based rugby sevens team powered by Fiji-born talent and led by star playmaker Tevita Daugunu.
Journeying from the land of the Maple Leaf to the spiritual home of sevens rugby, the Pacific Warriors will run onto Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka for the very first time this January. Their participation highlights the global reach of the Coral Coast 7s and the strong bond shared by Fijians abroad who continue to uphold the nation’s rugby legacy with pride and passion.
Formed within one of Canada’s fastest-growing Pacific rugby communities, the Pacific Warriors are grounded in culture, identity, and the spirit of Fijian heritage. With Daugunu guiding a mix of seasoned and rising Fijian players from across Canada, the team brings together northern toughness and the trademark flair of Fijian rugby.
Tournament Founding Chairman Jay Whyte welcomed the new entrants, emphasising the cultural significance of their debut.
“The Pacific Warriors represent everything the Coral Coast 7s stands for—heritage, pride, and the worldwide influence of Fijian rugby. We’re excited to welcome this Canada-based team to Lawaqa Park for the first time. Their journey from the snow of the Maple Leaf to the heat of the Coral Coast is a remarkable story, and they will undoubtedly bring added excitement to the competition.”
The 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s once again draws top international teams, national development squads, and world-class athletes preparing for the global sevens calendar. The inclusion of the Pacific Warriors further elevates the tournament’s standing as the premier invitational sevens event—a stage where legends rise, fresh stars emerge, and rugby cultures from around the world converge.
Pacific Warriors officials said the team is eager and honoured to finally step onto Fijian soil.
“For our players—especially the Fijian boys who now call Canada home—returning to Fiji to compete in this tournament is a dream come true,” the management said. “We’re humbled to be part of such a prestigious event and ready to showcase the heart, pride, and style that define our team.”
The Pacific Warriors will join a high-calibre field competing for the iconic i-Wau trophy and over $50,000 in prize money. Fans can expect fast, fearless rugby from a side built on resilience, passion, and the unbreakable bonds of the Pacific.

11/19/2025

Fiji Losing One-Third of Its Nurses to Migration, ICN Warns

Fiji is facing a critical shortage of nurses as up to one-third of the national nursing workforce has migrated overseas, according to the International Council of Nurses (ICN).
ICN Director of Nursing Policy and Practice, David Stewart, raised the alarm during a recent visit to Fiji, describing the exodus as a “public health emergency” for small island nations.

Stewart said the global nursing shortage is hitting countries like Fiji hardest, as higher-income nations continue to actively recruit from vulnerable regions. He noted that the issue is compounded by the fact that many nurses who migrate do not continue in the profession, instead taking up lower-skilled support roles abroad.

Nurses who remain in Fiji face significant challenges, including burnout, low pay, and heavy workloads, which further fuel decisions to leave. The loss of experienced nurses has placed additional strain on health facilities, reducing service capacity and increasing pressure on the remaining staff.

A study by the Pacific Community (SPC) also highlighted the need for improved data on nurse migration and attrition, warning that gaps in information are hindering effective long-term planning.

In response to the worsening situation, the Ministry of Health is developing a retention-focused policy brief aimed at stabilising the workforce. The Ministry has also begun reviewing pay structures, improving working conditions, and exploring stronger professional development pathways to encourage nurses to stay.

Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu has previously acknowledged that retention measures have slowed the exodus, but the overall workforce loss remains substantial.
Stewart emphasised that investing in the nursing workforce is not only critical for health outcomes but also economically beneficial, noting that every dollar invested in nursing can generate two to four dollars in broader societal returns.
The ICN is urging Fiji and other Pacific nations to strengthen policy responses, deepen regional collaboration, and prioritise investments in nursing as an essential pillar of national health security.

11/19/2025

Album dropping soon. Name the band (Ovalau themed only) Go!
Sun Bell Pre-Season

11/19/2025

11/19/2025

FINISHED THE YEAR WITH A BANG! 🎆

x New York Life Insurance Company