Meli Laddpeter 
Ba Football Association president Praneel Dayal has announced a landmark initiative to support the district’s women footballers selected for national duty.
Dayal will personally sponsor allowances for all eight Ba players named in the Fiji Women’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers semifinal in New Zealand on Sunday, April 12.
While the Fiji Football Association is providing allowances and covering team support for the national squad, Dayal has gone a step further by offering additional financial assistance to ensure Ba’s representatives are even better supported ahead of the campaign.
The move marks a significant step towards improving athlete welfare and promoting gender equality within the sport.
Dayal said the initiative reflects his vision of building a more inclusive and supportive football environment.
“This is about ensuring that every player, regardless of gender, is given the opportunity and resources to succeed.”
The announcement has been welcomed by players and officials, with veteran Ba representative Aliza describing the support as unprecedented.
“I have been playing for Ba Women’s for 12 years and this is the first time we’ve received this kind of assistance. We really appreciate it.”
