Nadi FC Coach Khan Aims to End Trophy Drought in Battle of the Giants

Veteran coach Babs Khan, whose real name is Maxwell Thaggard, is at the helm of Nadi FC for the upcoming Battle of the Giants (BOG) tournament, carrying the hopes of ending the club's 28-year drought for one of Fiji's most coveted football trophies.

Khan is one of Fiji football's most seasoned coaches, with a career spanning several decades. He has previously managed several top clubs, including Nadi, Suva, Lautoka, and Navua. His most successful tenure was with Suva, where he secured numerous titles, including the National League, Fiji FACT, Inter-District Championship, and Champion versus Champion crowns.

Now, Khan faces the significant challenge of guiding Nadi, known as the Jetsetters, back to glory. Their last BOG triumph was in 1996, when they defeated Tavua 3-1 in the final. This year's tournament marks a return to Govind Park in Ba, the same venue as their last victory, presenting a symbolic opportunity to rewrite history.

However, Nadi's path to the final is formidable. They have been drawn into Pool A alongside host team Ba, traditional rivals Lautoka, and Rewa. The Jetsetters will kick off their campaign against Ba on September 4, followed by a match against Lautoka the next day, and concluding their pool play against Rewa on September 6. For Khan, this tournament offers another chance to add to his decorated coaching record, while for Nadi, it's a long-awaited opportunity to reclaim the BOG trophy.