Kiribati is set to make history tomorrow when its national team takes the field for the first time at the FMF Inter-District Championship in Suva.

The island nation will open the 86th FMF IDC against Seaqaqa at 11am on Tuesday at HFC Bank Stadium, marking a significant milestone in the development of football in Kiribati.

Kiribati national team manager Bernard Tatireta says the opportunity is the result of growing cooperation between the footballing bodies of the two countries.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to the Fiji Football Association for allowing us to join and participate in this very important event for Kiribati football.”

He also acknowledged the Fiji FA, FMF and other sponsors for helping make the historic participation possible.

Tatireta says discussions between football officials from Fiji and Kiribati paved the way for the team’s involvement in this year’s championship.

“This is actually the collaboration between Kiribati football and Fiji football.”

The tournament also provides Kiribati with valuable exposure as it continues its push towards becoming a full member of the Oceania Football Confederation.

The squad has arrived in Fiji with 19 players and five officials, with Tatireta hoping the experience will help prepare the players for bigger international challenges.

“We are very hopeful that they will do their best and that our players will have the best experience to help them in their future preparations for bigger tournaments.”

Kiribati has been drawn alongside Seaqaqa and Nadroga in Premier Division Pool A, with tomorrow’s clash against Seaqaqa providing the island nation with its first taste of the FMF IDC stage.

For Kiribati, however, the result will only be part of the story.

Their presence at Fiji’s premier domestic football tournament represents a significant step in the country’s football journey and a historic moment for its players.

The IDC will kick-off tomorrow in Suva.