THE Dreketi soccer side will be out to restore lost pride when they compete in the Inter District Championship in Ba from today.
The Vanua Levu side last won the Premier Division in 2009 and have been unlucky on the past two occasions after that, losing out in the finals and semi-finals respectively. Dreketi Football Association president Ami Chand said the side had travelled to Ba with only 17 players.
He said the side had lost majority of its players to other districts but was hopeful the remaining players would get the job done.
"Many of our players have joined other districts like Seaqaqa and Taveuni," Chand said.
"But we have faith in our players and we have prepared well for this tournament," he said.
Dreketi are pooled with Seaqaqa, Bua, Rakiraki and defending champions Lami.
"We will get through the pool stages and the only teams in our pools we are wary of are Lami and Rakiraki.
"Rakiraki are the former champions while Lami are the currents champions and they will both be difficult to beat.
"But the main message to the players is to play to the best of your abilities and to win each and every game," he said.
The first-day of premier grade games will be played at the Ba Football Academy grounds and from day-two the games will shift to Govind Park.