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Rewa F.C.
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Rewa Football Club is a Fijian semi-professional football club based in Nausori, playing in the National Football League. Rewa's home ground is Foodcity Ratu Cakobau Park
Key Information
Rewa is a successful club in Fiji. The club has won many tournaments throughout their history, having won their first ever Fiji Premier League title in 2022.
History
[edit]A league competition was organised in Rewa for the first time in 1928, although football was known to be played in the area since 1916. In 1928, two teams from Rewa, Dilkusha Excelsior Football Club and Rewa Football Club took part in competition organised by the Suva based Indian Reform League for the Vriddhi Cup. The other two teams were from Suva. Dilkusha won the trophy and repeated its success in 1929 and 1930. Having won the trophy three times in a row, Dilkusha was allowed to permanently keep the trophy and the competition came to end. From 1931 to 1936, Rewa United Football Club took part in the Fletcher Challenge Cup organised by the Indian Reform League of Suva. In 1937, the Rewa Indian Football Association was formed. The Rewa Association was one of the founding members of the Fiji Indian Football Association in 1938, which in 1961 became the Fiji Football Association.
Rewa won the first Inter-district competition (IDC) held in Suva in 1938, defeating Ba by 3 goals to 2 in the final. In June 1939, Rewa, as the IDC champions played against a team from the naval ship, H.M.S. Leath at the C.S.R. grounds in Nausori. Rewa won the game by a lone goal, watched by a thousand fans.
Rewa Football Association currently consists of more than 42 clubs. The football club has done well in recent times, winning the Battle of Giants tournament in 2003 and 2004. Above all win or loss, Rewa has the strongest support from their fans and they are very vocal.
Rewa qualified for the first time to 2017 OFC Champions League.
Squad (2022)
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Personnel
[edit]Achievements
[edit]- Fiji National Football League: 3
- 2022, 2024, 2025
- 1938, 1939, 1943, 1944, 1947, 1955, 1972, 2001, 2010, 2025
- 1994, 2003, 2004, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020.
- 2011, 2017, 2018.
- 2010.
- Fiji Games: 1
- 1994 (Gold Medalist).
See also
[edit]
Further reading
[edit]- M. Prasad, Sixty Years of Soccer in Fiji 1938–1998: The Official History of the Fiji Football Association, Fiji Football Association, Suva, 1998.
References
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Rewa F.C.
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Founding and early years
Rewa Football Club was established in 1928 in Rewa Province, Fiji, through the merger of the Dilkusha Excelsior Football Club and other local teams participating in early competitions such as the Vriddhi Cup organized by the Indian Reform League.[7] This formation occurred amid growing interest in football among Indian communities in Fiji, with Rewa United Football Club specifically created to represent the district in the inaugural Vriddhi Cup tournament held in Suva from May to September 1928.[7] Dilkusha Excelsior, hailing from the Rewa area, emerged as an early standout, securing victory in the 1928 edition and repeating the success in 1929 and 1930, which helped solidify the club's foundational role in regional play.[8] The club's early years were deeply rooted in the Nausori community, where football served as a unifying activity for local Indian populations, fostering grassroots development through informal leagues and matches within Rewa Province.[9] These local competitions emphasized community engagement and skill-building, laying the groundwork for organized structures as the sport gained popularity across Fiji's districts. By the mid-1930s, the Rewa Indian Football Association was formed in 1937 to oversee district-level activities, marking a step toward formalization.[9] In 1938, Rewa F.C. joined the newly established Fiji Indian Football Association, integrating into national frameworks and enabling broader competitive opportunities.[9] This affiliation coincided with the club's national debut in the inaugural Inter-District Championship (IDC), held in Suva in October 1938, where Rewa claimed victory in the final against Ba, becoming the first winners of the Lloyd Farebrother Trophy.[9] This triumph, achieved with just five participating districts including Suva, Rewa, Ba, Levuka, and Lautoka, highlighted the club's rapid ascent and established its reputation as the "Delta Tigers," symbolizing regional pride in the Rewa Delta area.[10]Key developments and eras
Following its founding in 1928, Rewa F.C. quickly established itself as a dominant force in Fijian inter-district football through a series of early victories in the Inter-District Championship (IDC). The club secured its first IDC title in 1938 by defeating Ba 3-2 in the final held in Suva, marking the inaugural edition of the tournament. This success was followed by a back-to-back win in 1939 against Suva (3-2), and further triumphs in 1943 (4-2 over Suva), 1944 (2-1 over Suva after extra time), 1947 (4-1 over Ba), and 1955 (3-2 over Lautoka), solidifying Rewa's early dominance in inter-district play with six titles in the pre-1960 era.[11] Post-World War II, Fijian football underwent reorganization as district associations strengthened and national structures began to emerge, with Rewa participating in expanded competitions that transitioned from purely inter-district formats to more formalized leagues. The Fiji Football Association, established in 1938, oversaw this growth, leading to the creation of the National Football League in 1977 as the country's first top-tier national competition, in which Rewa competed alongside other district champions.[8] This era saw Rewa maintain its focus on cup success, highlighted by a 1972 IDC victory achieved via a 0-0 draw against Labasa followed by a 10-9 penalty shootout win, bringing their tally to seven IDC titles by the mid-1970s.[11] The 1960s through 1980s presented challenges for Rewa, characterized by inconsistent performances in league play and a strategic emphasis on cup tournaments amid growing national competition. Prior to the 1977 National League, Rewa experienced mixed district results with no major league dominance, and even after its formation, the club often finished mid-table or lower in annual standings, lacking the consistency of rivals like Ba and Suva.[8] This period underscored Rewa's resilience in knockout formats, where they reached multiple IDC finals but struggled to translate cup pedigree into sustained league success, reflecting broader structural adjustments in Fijian football as professionalization increased. In the 1990s, Rewa experienced a notable resurgence, reclaiming prominence in invitational tournaments with their first Battle of the Giants (BOG) title in 1994, secured via a walkover against Ba in the final. This victory, part of a broader uptick in cup performances, highlighted the club's renewed competitiveness as the BOG—introduced in 1978 as an end-of-season showcase—gained stature, though Rewa continued to prioritize such events over league consistency into the early 2000s.[11]Recent achievements
Rewa F.C. ended a long drought by winning the Inter-District Championship (IDC) in 2001, their first title in the competition since 1972, ending a 29-year drought, securing victory at the same venue where they had previously triumphed.[12] Nine years later, in 2010, the club claimed another IDC crown, defeating Lautoka 3-1 in the final to mark their second major success in the tournament during this period and reinforcing their resurgence.[12][13] The club's domestic dominance escalated in the 2020s, beginning with their inaugural Fiji Premier League title in 2022, achieved through a dramatic last-minute goal on the final day of the season against close rivals.[14] This breakthrough was followed by back-to-back league triumphs in 2024 and 2025; in 2024, Rewa clinched the Digicel Fiji Premier League with a match to spare, finishing 8 points clear of second place and qualifying for the OFC Champions League, while in 2025, they retained the Extra Premier League title, equaling the record for consecutive wins held by other top Fijian clubs.[15][16][17] In 2025, Rewa added to their haul by capturing their 10th IDC title overall, ending a 15-year wait since 2010 with a 1-0 victory over Ba in the final at 4R Electrical Stadium in Govind Park, where a goal from their forward sealed the win against the hosts.[18] These dual successes in the league and IDC that year drew international acclaim, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino personally congratulating the club in a letter to the Fiji FA, praising their dedication and status as new champions of Fiji.[19] Building on foundational IDC victories from earlier decades, these recent milestones underscore Rewa F.C.'s evolution into Fiji's most consistent force in both national and cup competitions.[12]Club identity and facilities
Name, colours, and symbols
Rewa Football Club is the official full name of the Fijian semi-professional football club based in Nausori, competing in the Fiji Premier League.[1] The club is widely known by its nickname, the Delta Tigers, which draws from its roots in the Rewa Delta region—a fertile, riverine area in Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu—symbolizing both geographic ties and a reputation for competitive ferocity on the pitch.[20] Rewa F.C.'s primary colours are red and white, emblematic of the club's enduring visual identity and used consistently across home kits to evoke energy and regional pride.[21][22] These colours appear prominently in the club's apparel, with the 2025 home kit featuring a predominantly red design accented by white elements, manufactured by local supplier Pillays Garments.[21] Earlier iterations, such as the 2023 home kit, maintained the red-and-white scheme through in-house production, demonstrating minimal variation over recent years while adapting to contemporary manufacturing.[22] The club's crest centers on a tiger emblem, directly inspired by the Delta Tigers moniker, integrating motifs that nod to Rewa Province's natural and cultural landscape to reinforce local affiliation and team spirit.[20]Stadium and training grounds
Rewa F.C. plays its home matches at Ratu Cakobau Park, a multi-purpose stadium located in Nausori, Fiji.[23][24] The venue, which has a capacity of 8,000 spectators, serves as the primary ground for the club's National Football League fixtures and other domestic competitions.[25] Named after Ratu Seru Cakobau, a prominent 19th-century Fijian chief and the first King of Fiji, the park reflects local cultural heritage while functioning as a shared facility for football, rugby union, and other sports in the region.[26][27] The stadium's development traces back to the mid-20th century, with the Nausori Town Council securing a 75-year land lease in 1953 for its construction on native land belonging to the Yavusa Vunivivi mataqali.[28] Officially opened in 1979, it has undergone periodic renovations to accommodate national events, including repairs following natural disasters like Cyclone Winston in 2016.[28][29] As of August 2025, the park is experiencing deterioration, with Pavilion 2 closed for over three years due to cyclone damage and ongoing maintenance challenges.[30] The 75-year lease is set to expire in 2028, with discussions ongoing between the Nausori Town Council, landowners, and the iTaukei Trust Fund Board regarding the venue's future as a sporting facility.[31][32] The park has hosted significant football tournaments, such as finals of the Fiji Football Association's Inter-District Championship (IDC), contributing to its role as a key venue in Fijian sports. In 2022, the stadium secured naming rights sponsorship from Red Leaf Private Ltd, a subsidiary of Foodcity, to support upkeep, though it is currently known as Vodafone Ratu Cakobau Park for sponsorship reasons.[23] For training, Rewa F.C. utilizes adjacent pitches and community facilities in Nausori, including those at Saraswati School, which has provided key support for daily sessions and squad development.[33] The club occasionally shifts practices to alternative grounds like the Uprising Sports Centre in Pacific Harbour during adverse weather or maintenance at the main park, reflecting reliance on shared local resources rather than a dedicated complex.[34] As of November 2025, Rewa has expressed plans to develop its own clubhouse and specialized training facilities to enhance autonomy, though no such academy exists currently.[35]Organisation and personnel
Management and administration
The Rewa F.C. operates under the governance of the Rewa Football Association, a district-level body within Fiji's football structure that manages the club's strategic direction, administrative operations, and financial affairs. This association ensures compliance with national regulations set by the Fiji Football Association while focusing on local development initiatives.[36] Nazeel Buksh serves as president of the Rewa Football Association, a role he has held since the 2010s, overseeing key strategic decisions that have elevated the club's profile and performance.[37] Peter Cecil Singh acts as vice president, contributing to executive oversight and representation in broader football governance matters.[38] The association secures funding through partnerships with corporate sponsors, including Stratum Constructions, which provided naming rights support for the club's participation in the 2025 FMF Inter-District Championship. Other contributors, such as Pro Play and Fortec Construction, bolster operational sustainability and infrastructure needs.[39] Under this leadership, Rewa F.C. accomplished a historic double in 2025 by securing both the FMF Inter-District Championship and the Extra Super Premiership titles.[39]Coaching and technical staff
In 2025, Rewa F.C. underwent significant changes in its coaching structure following the resignation of head coach Rodeck Singh in June, leading to the appointment of Ratu Tevita Waranivalu as interim head coach on July 1. Waranivalu, an influential midfielder and the 2024 Fiji Male Footballer of the Year, assumed a dual role as both player and head coach, providing on-field leadership and tactical oversight during a transitional period.[40] Assisting Waranivalu is Priyant Manu, appointed as assistant coach alongside the interim head coach to support training sessions and match preparation. Manu's role emphasizes tactical development and team cohesion, contributing to Rewa F.C.'s strong performance in the 2025 season. Under this leadership duo, the team achieved notable success, including qualification for the FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC) semifinals after a 3-1 victory over Navua F.C.[40] The technical staff also includes a goalkeeping coach and fitness trainer, who focus on specialized training to enhance player performance and injury prevention amid the mid-2025 interim adjustments. This setup, supported by consultations with the club's management and board, allowed Rewa F.C. to maintain continuity and secure the 2025 FMF IDC title after a 1-0 final win over Ba F.C., ending a 15-year drought.[40][18]Current team
First-team squad
The first-team squad of Rewa F.C. for the 2025 season consists of 25 players, with an average age of 27.1 years and four foreign players comprising 16% of the roster.[41] This lineup has been assembled to compete in the Fiji Premier League (NFL), the Fiji Football Association Inter-District Championship (IDC), and potential international fixtures such as the OFC Champions League.[1] Key goalkeepers include Jolame Domonikibau, a 25-year-old Fijian who has been with the club since 2023 and serves as a primary option in net.[42] James Do'oro, a 30-year-old Solomon Islander who joined in 2025, provides experienced backup.[41] In defense, Gabrieli Matanisiga, a 30-year-old Fijian center-back, anchors the backline after transferring from Wellington Olympic FC in New Zealand to bolster the unit for the 2025 campaigns.[43] Kavaia Rawaqa, a 35-year-old Fijian defender with prior experience at the club, rejoined Rewa from Suva FC during the preseason transfer window, adding leadership and physicality.[44] The midfield is led by captain Setareki Hughes, a 30-year-old Fijian who has been instrumental in the team's midfield control and was pivotal in the 2025 season's early successes. John Alick, a 34-year-old central midfielder from Vanuatu, was signed in February 2025 from his previous club to bring international experience and depth ahead of the NFL and IDC.[45] Up front, forwards Bruce Hughes, a 28-year-old Fijian who transferred back from Suva FC in January 2025 to reunite with his brother Setareki, contributes versatility and scoring threat.[46] John Orobulu, a 25-year-old striker from the Solomon Islands, emerged as a standout in the 2025 IDC with seven goals, earning the Golden Boot and Player of the Match honors in key games.[47] Recent transfers for the 2025 NFL and IDC include defensive reinforcements like Matanisiga and Rawaqa, alongside midfield and attacking additions such as Alick and Hughes, aimed at enhancing competitiveness in domestic tournaments.[43][45]Youth and reserve teams
Rewa F.C. operates a reserve team that competes in Fiji's National Super League, the country's second-tier competition, primarily drawing talent from the local Nausori community to provide competitive experience for developing players.[39] This setup allows squad members to gain match fitness and tactical understanding outside the demands of the Premier League, with an emphasis on integrating local prospects into the club's broader structure. The club's youth system features structured U-19 and U-17 teams participating in the Fiji Football Association's youth leagues, such as the Extra U-19 Youth League and corresponding U-17 divisions, where they compete against other regional sides.[48] Recruitment prioritizes players from Rewa Province, fostering grassroots development through school and community programs in areas like Nausori to build a sustainable talent pipeline.[39] Notable success stories include players like Setareki Hughes, who progressed through the club's youth ranks before becoming a key first-team figure and national team contributor.[49] Other graduates, such as young midfielder Delon Shankar, have similarly transitioned, earning international trial opportunities that highlight the pathway's effectiveness. Youth teams achieved prominence in 2025, with the U-19 side clinching the national youth championship in the Extra Premier Youth League, underscoring the program's growing impact.[50]Honours and records
Domestic titles
Rewa F.C. has established itself as one of Fiji's most successful football clubs domestically, accumulating numerous titles across the nation's premier competitions. The club's achievements span leagues, cups, and invitational tournaments, reflecting consistent performance in Fijian football since its founding in 1928. These honors underscore Rewa's dominance, particularly in the post-independence era, with a focus on national and regional accolades up to 2025.[8]Fiji National Football League
Rewa F.C. has won the Fiji National Football League (now known as the Fiji Premier League or Extra Premier League) three times, securing back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025 after their inaugural victory in 2022. This success marked the club's first league championship in its history, ending a long drought and qualifying them for continental competition. The 2022 triumph came via a dramatic final-day goal against Lautoka, while the 2024 and 2025 defenses highlighted their defensive solidity and attacking prowess, with 43 points from 18 matches in the latter season.[51][52][53]Inter-District Championship (IDC)
The Inter-District Championship stands as Rewa F.C.'s most decorated competition, with 10 titles won across its 87-year history, making them the second-most successful club behind Ba F.C.'s 25 victories. Their wins occurred in 1938, 1939, 1943, 1944, 1947, 1955, 1972, 2001, 2010, and 2025, including an early dominance with four titles in the 1930s and 1940s. The 2025 edition ended a 15-year drought, defeating Ba 1-0 in the final at Govind Park to claim their 10th crown.[11][18]| Year | Opponent in Final | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1938 | Ba | 3-2 |
| 1939 | Suva | 3-2 |
| 1943 | Suva | 4-2 |
| 1944 | Suva | 2-1 (aet) |
| 1947 | Ba | 4-1 |
| 1955 | Lautoka | 3-2 |
| 1972 | Labasa | 0-0 (10-9 pens aet) |
| 2001 | Ba | 1-0 |
| 2010 | Lautoka | 3-1 |
| 2025 | Ba | 1-0 |