‘Chacha’as Rafiq was commonly known by his workmates sadly passed away on Thursday September 6, 2012 while attending an Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) coaching course at the National Football Academy in Ba.
Rafiq joined the Fiji FA technical department as a development officer in 2009.
Late last year he was promoted to the Just Play department and played a key role in the implementation of the grassroots programme in the Southern division alongside Fiji FA Just Play project manager Yasir Janiff.
Hailing from Labasa, Rafiq represented the senior Labasa district side as a player from 1976-1987.
In 1988 he began his coaching career and was given charge of the Labasa Youth side.
Later in his career he coached the senior Labasa district side from 1996-1997, Dreketi 1998, Seaqaqa 1999-2000 and earlier this year was assisting the Lami district side.
Before joining Fiji FA, Rafiq was employed by the ANZ Banking Group in Labasa.
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel said the national football body had lost a very capable person.
“Rafiq was a very hardworking, dedicated and loyal Fiji FA employee. He carried vast knowledge and football experience which was an asset for Fiji FA. It is a huge loss for Fiji FA but at the end of the day it was god’s will,” Patel said.
“On behalf of the Fiji FA family, Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President David Chung and FIFA we would like to share our condolence with Rafiq’s family for their great loss and may the almighty shower his blessings in these difficult times.”
Rafiq was farewelled this morning from Valalevu as he was laid to rest at the Nasinu Cemetery.
Fiji FA MEDIA
