From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad1 Jan 2029
The manager makes an example of Rishal Shankar
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Market1 Jan 2029
Ramzan Khan linked with a move away
The name of Ramzan Khan keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Suva say nothing, which says plenty.
Squad1 Jan 2029
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Suva, and both men came out saying it was fine.
Back issues
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad18 Dec 2028
“The easiest signature of my career.” Neerav Goundar and Suva agree another 2 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
Squad18 Dec 2028
Shivam Shandil knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Suva, and both men came out saying it was fine.
Market18 Dec 2028
Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Suva know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Market27 Nov 2028
Albert Nuhu hands in a written request
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Suva can pretend not to have heard.
Squad27 Nov 2028
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Market27 Nov 2028
Bill Sutton is 18, and Suva have signed him for the player he will be rather than the one he is. The first team can wait; the point of a deal like this is the years it buys.
Squad27 Nov 2028
“The easiest signature of my career.” Bill Sutton and Suva agree another 3 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
Market27 Nov 2028
The name of Bruce Hughes keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Suva say nothing, which says plenty.
Squad27 Nov 2028
The competition arrived without a word said to him about it. Simione Nabenu keeps the shirt for now, at Suva's convenience rather than his own.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad20 Nov 2028
The manager makes an example of Neerav Goundar
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Market20 Nov 2028
He is 20, and nobody at Suva signed him for this season. Deals like this are judged in four years, by people who may not still be in the building.
Market20 Nov 2028
Ali Ngaradoumbe is 20, and Suva have signed him for the player he will be rather than the one he is. The first team can wait; the point of a deal like this is the years it buys.
Squad20 Nov 2028
“The easiest signature of my career.” Mohammed Ayman and Suva agree another 3 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
Market20 Nov 2028
Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Suva know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.
Squad20 Nov 2028
A new face in his position, and Simione Nabenu suddenly has to win back what he thought he owned. Suva have promised nothing — clubs rarely do at this stage.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Boardroom6 Nov 2028
The board have said in public what they had been saying in private. Results between now and the next meeting decide it, and everybody in the building knows the arithmetic.
Market6 Nov 2028
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Suva can pretend not to have heard.
Loan watch6 Nov 2028
“I did not go to Lautoka to sit and watch. I want to come back to Suva and fight for my place.” 5 appearances in 41 matches say the rest.
Squad6 Nov 2028
The manager makes an example of Teboho Dala
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Squad6 Nov 2028
Nishal Sharma asks for a word with the manager
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
Market6 Nov 2028
Ramzan Khan linked with a move away
The name of Ramzan Khan keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Suva say nothing, which says plenty.
Market6 Nov 2028
The clock runs on Alan Tarzia's contract
5 months left and silence from upstairs — no offer, no talks, nothing for his people to answer. Clubs that let a calendar do their negotiating usually end up negotiating with the calendar.
Market6 Nov 2028
1 months remain and no agreement is close. Every week without a signature costs Suva money.
Boardroom6 Nov 2028
Suva answer back
A squad written off a fortnight ago has closed ranks. Whatever was said behind that door, it has held so far.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Market30 Oct 2028
Albert Nuhu hands in a written request
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Suva can pretend not to have heard.
Squad30 Oct 2028
The medical room confirms 39 days on the sidelines for Marlon Sauturaga, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.
Squad30 Oct 2028
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Boardroom2 Oct 2028
Dave Qaraniqio has until the next board meeting
What was said behind closed doors has now been said in front of a microphone. Everybody at Suva can do the arithmetic, including the man it is aimed at.
Market2 Oct 2028
Albert Nuhu hands in a written request
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Suva can pretend not to have heard.
Squad2 Oct 2028
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Market2 Oct 2028
The name of Bruce Hughes keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Suva say nothing, which says plenty.
Squad2 Oct 2028
Uzayr Buksh asks for a word with the manager
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
Boardroom2 Oct 2028
Suva were not finished after all
Written off a fortnight ago, the squad has closed ranks and answered on the pitch. Something was said behind that door, and so far it is holding.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad25 Sep 2028
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Squad25 Sep 2028
Rishal Shankar knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Suva, and both men came out saying it was fine.
Market25 Sep 2028
The name of Akuila Mateisuva keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Suva say nothing, which says plenty.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Boardroom4 Sep 2028
The board have said in public what they had been saying in private. Results between now and the next meeting decide it, and everybody in the building knows the arithmetic.
Market4 Sep 2028
The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.
Market4 Sep 2028
“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.
Squad4 Sep 2028
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Squad4 Sep 2028
Shivam Shandil knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Suva, and both men came out saying it was fine.
Market4 Sep 2028
The Bruce Hughes talk will not go away
Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Suva know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Boardroom21 Aug 2028
Pressure builds in the Suva boardroom
The directors have stopped offering the manager public warmth. In football that is usually the stage before the short statement.
Market21 Aug 2028
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Suva can pretend not to have heard.
Squad21 Aug 2028
95 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.
Squad21 Aug 2028
Uzayr Buksh: that is not what I was promised
“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Suva have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.
Boardroom21 Aug 2028
Suva counting the cost
The accounts make uncomfortable reading. Wages first and ambition second is the order of business at Suva now.
Squad21 Aug 2028
15 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Market14 Aug 2028
The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Suva is pretending he will be back in the shirt.
Squad14 Aug 2028
85 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.
Squad14 Aug 2028
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Loan watch14 Aug 2028
“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Suva, and 5 appearances in 29 say he has earned the hearing.
Market14 Aug 2028
The Ramzan Khan talk will not go away
Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Suva know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.
Market14 Aug 2028
Suva have made Alan Tarzia available for transfer. A career at this club is over in all but paperwork.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Boardroom7 Aug 2028
The board have said in public what they had been saying in private. Results between now and the next meeting decide it, and everybody in the building knows the arithmetic.
Market7 Aug 2028
“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.
Squad7 Aug 2028
“The easiest signature of my career.” Amitesh Krishna and Suva agree another 3 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
Squad7 Aug 2028
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Market7 Aug 2028
The list is a quiet document with a loud meaning. Rishal Shankar may talk to anybody who asks, and everybody at the club understands what that means.
Squad7 Aug 2028
Rishal Shankar knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Suva, and both men came out saying it was fine.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Boardroom24 Jul 2028
The silence upstairs is getting loud at Suva
Nobody on the board has said anything against the manager, which is the point — they have stopped saying anything for him either.
Market24 Jul 2028
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Suva can pretend not to have heard.
Squad24 Jul 2028
123 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.
Boardroom24 Jul 2028
Suva counting the cost
The accounts make uncomfortable reading. Wages first and ambition second is the order of business at Suva now.
Squad24 Jul 2028
Abhishek Ram gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Market24 Jul 2028
Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Suva know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.
From our football correspondent
Crisis
Boardroom5 Jun 2028
Dave Qaraniqio has until the next board meeting
What was said behind closed doors has now been said in front of a microphone. Everybody at Suva can do the arithmetic, including the man it is aimed at.
Market5 Jun 2028
“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.
Match3 Jun 2028
No end in sight to Suva's wait for a win
4 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Suva has to find a result from somewhere.
Squad5 Jun 2028
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Market5 Jun 2028
Albert Nuhu is 19, and Suva have signed him for the player he will be rather than the one he is. The first team can wait; the point of a deal like this is the years it buys.
Match3 Jun 2028
Honours even between Suva and Navua
1-1, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.
Market5 Jun 2028
“I was told straight, and I would rather have it straight.” The manager at Suva has been clear about where Watisoni Bainimoli stands, which is more than many ever get.
Market5 Jun 2028
Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Suva know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.
Squad5 Jun 2028
A new face in his position, and Panapasa Tawakece suddenly has to win back what he thought he owned. Suva have promised nothing — clubs rarely do at this stage.
In brief
-
Squad
Teboho Dala asks for a word with the manager
-
Boardroom
Suva were not finished after all
-
Squad
The selectors could not leave Rishal Shankar out
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Boardroom29 May 2028
The silence upstairs is getting loud at Suva
Nobody on the board has said anything against the manager, which is the point — they have stopped saying anything for him either.
Market29 May 2028
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Suva can pretend not to have heard.
Boardroom29 May 2028
Suva counting the cost
The accounts make uncomfortable reading. Wages first and ambition second is the order of business at Suva now.
Squad29 May 2028
Joeli Ranitu gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Match27 May 2028
Suva and Ba take a point apiece
It finished 1-1, and it somehow always looked like it would. One of those afternoons where the table moves less than the tempers.
Market29 May 2028
Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Suva know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.
Squad29 May 2028
At 20 he has made the position his own, and the man he took it from has to find something to say about it. Suva have a decision that made itself.
Squad29 May 2028
The competition arrived without a word said to him about it. Panapasa Tawakece keeps the shirt for now, at Suva's convenience rather than his own.
Squad29 May 2028
Amitesh Krishna asks for a word with the manager
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Market8 May 2028
“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.
Squad8 May 2028
“The easiest signature of my career.” Akuila Mateisuva and Suva agree another 2 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
Match6 May 2028
Suva get the job done against Nadi
A 1-0 win over Nadi, earned rather than given, and the sort of afternoon that sends everyone home talking about next week instead of this one.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Boardroom1 May 2028
The silence upstairs is getting loud at Suva
Nobody on the board has said anything against the manager, which is the point — they have stopped saying anything for him either.
Market1 May 2028
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Suva can pretend not to have heard.
Boardroom1 May 2028
Suva counting the cost
The accounts make uncomfortable reading. Wages first and ambition second is the order of business at Suva now.
Squad1 May 2028
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Squad1 May 2028
Rishal Shankar knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Suva, and both men came out saying it was fine.
Match29 Apr 2028
Suva and Nasinu cancel each other out
Nil-nil, and few chances worth the name. Nasinu came to defend and left with exactly what they came for.
Market1 May 2028
Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Suva know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.
Squad1 May 2028
Bruce Hughes wants a proper job in this side
Shifted about, taken off before the hour, asked to do somebody else's running — Bruce Hughes has had enough of being useful and would like to be picked. Suva know, and have known for weeks.
Market1 May 2028
7 months left and the two sides are nowhere near each other. Every week this drags on takes money off what Suva could get for him.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Boardroom14 Feb 2028
The silence upstairs is getting loud at Suva
Nobody on the board has said anything against the manager, which is the point — they have stopped saying anything for him either.
Squad14 Feb 2028
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Squad14 Feb 2028
Abhishek Ram knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Suva, and both men came out saying it was fine.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Boardroom6 Dec 2027
The board have said in public what they had been saying in private. Results between now and the next meeting decide it, and everybody in the building knows the arithmetic.
Squad6 Dec 2027
Neerav Goundar knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Suva, and both men came out saying it was fine.
Market6 Dec 2027
The name of Akuila Mateisuva keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Suva say nothing, which says plenty.
Squad6 Dec 2027
The competition arrived without a word said to him about it. Panapasa Tawakece keeps the shirt for now, at Suva's convenience rather than his own.
Market6 Dec 2027
Suva and Teboho Dala are talking past each other
“There is a gap, and pretending there is not helps nobody.” Neither side has moved, and the calendar is working for exactly one of them.
Market6 Dec 2027
1 months left and the two sides are nowhere near each other. Every week this drags on takes money off what Suva could get for him.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Market1 Nov 2027
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Suva can pretend not to have heard.
Loan watch1 Nov 2027
“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Suva, and 5 appearances in 41 say he has earned the hearing.
Squad1 Nov 2027
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Boardroom4 Oct 2027
Dave Qaraniqio has until the next board meeting
What was said behind closed doors has now been said in front of a microphone. Everybody at Suva can do the arithmetic, including the man it is aimed at.
Market4 Oct 2027
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Suva can pretend not to have heard.
Squad4 Oct 2027
“The easiest signature of my career.” Akuila Mateisuva and Suva agree another 2 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
Loan watch4 Oct 2027
“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Suva, and 5 appearances in 37 say he has earned the hearing.
Squad4 Oct 2027
The manager makes an example of Nishal Sharma
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Squad4 Oct 2027
“Ask me in the summer. I will know before anybody else does.” He is 37 with 18 appearances behind him, and Suva have to plan for both answers.
Squad4 Oct 2027
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
Market4 Oct 2027
The Ramzan Khan talk will not go away
Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Suva know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.
Market4 Oct 2027
Suva have made Blas Galda available for transfer. A career at this club is over in all but paperwork.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Match12 Jun 2027
Lautoka made Suva work for it, but the scoreboard read 1-0 at the end and the table does not ask how.
Loan watch14 Jun 2027
“I did not go to Tailevu Naitasiri to sit and watch. I want to come back to Suva and fight for my place.” 4 appearances in 21 matches say the rest.
Squad14 Jun 2027
“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Amir Khamatdinov commits to Suva for another 3 years.
Squad14 Jun 2027
Uzayr Buksh gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Market14 Jun 2027
Experience through the door at Suva
Mahamat Ngaradoumbe arrives at 34 with nothing left to prove and plenty left to pass on. Legs are a young man's currency; knowing where to stand never ages.
Squad14 Jun 2027
At 15 years old, Tito Nabenia became the latest name off the academy production line to be handed a senior shirt.
Market14 Jun 2027
The Ramzan Khan talk will not go away
Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Suva know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.
Squad14 Jun 2027
A window away with the national side, and a shirt at Suva that briefly doubles as an advertisement. A call-up flatters the player and the club that built him in the same breath.
Market14 Jun 2027
No fee and no drama: Amir Khamatdinov has signed at Suva, and the wage bill is the only line that moved.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Match15 May 2027
No end in sight to Suva's wait for a win
8 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Suva has to find a result from somewhere.
Squad17 May 2027
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Loan watch17 May 2027
“I did not go to Tailevu Naitasiri to sit and watch. I want to come back to Suva and fight for my place.” 2 appearances in 17 matches say the rest.
Match15 May 2027
Suva and Labasa cancel each other out
Nil-nil, and few chances worth the name. Labasa came to defend and left with exactly what they came for.
Market17 May 2027
The Ramzan Khan talk will not go away
Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Suva know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.
Squad17 May 2027
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Suva, and both men came out saying it was fine.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Match17 Apr 2027
4 matches without a win for Suva
The run now stands at 4, and the questions being asked around Suva are no longer polite ones.
Squad19 Apr 2027
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Loan watch19 Apr 2027
“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Suva, and 2 appearances in 13 say he has earned the hearing.
Match17 Apr 2027
Ninety minutes, two goalkeepers with clean gloves, and not one finish worth keeping. Tailevu Naitasiri will be the happier side with the point.
Market19 Apr 2027
Ramzan Khan linked with a move away
The name of Ramzan Khan keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Suva say nothing, which says plenty.
Squad19 Apr 2027
Somebody is after Ramzan Khan’s shirt
A new face in his position, and Ramzan Khan suddenly has to win back what he thought he owned. Suva have promised nothing — clubs rarely do at this stage.
From our football correspondent
Crisis
Squad5 Apr 2027
The medical room confirms 42 days on the sidelines for Keni Cagi, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.
Match3 Apr 2027
Suva come up short against Navua
Navua left with the points after a 0-1 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.
Squad5 Apr 2027
Ramzan Khan gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Boardroom5 Apr 2027
Suva counting the cost
The accounts make uncomfortable reading. Wages first and ambition second is the order of business at Suva now.
Squad5 Apr 2027
“Ask me in the summer. I will know before anybody else does.” He is 37 with 5 appearances behind him, and Suva have to plan for both answers.
Squad5 Apr 2027
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Suva, and both men came out saying it was fine.