The Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel, the board members, and the entire football fraternity is in shock and mourning.
The country’s football fraternity mourns the passing away of a former Rewa, Lautoka, and national midfielder Onnie Wong.
He passed away yesterday at Suva’s Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital.
“Late Onnie wong was a pillar of strength to us by supporting all our initiatives for former national reps. He was the trustee for veterans’ funds where we assist the children of the former players for their education,” said Patel.
“He (Wong) had been a great footballer and an inspirational leader at his time and was a great legend.
“I convey my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to his grieving family, and I pray to the Almighty that his soul may rest in peace.
“It’s indeed a sad day for Fiji FA as he was inducted into Fiji FA Legends Club and was the trustee of the club.”
Wong also represented Fiji in basketball and hockey.
In football, he played together with the likes of, Nicholas Rounds, Gordon Leewai, John Krishna Chotka, Jimmy Zoing, Narayan Sami, Habib Buksh and the late Kavaia Naborisi.
Onnie represented Lautoka from 1964 – 1970 and won IDC for the Sugar City side back-to-back in 1964 and 1965.
He represented the national team from 1966 to 1972 and toured Australia, New Caledonia, and Tahiti.
In 1971, Onnie joined Rewa and won the IDC for the Delta Tigers and in 1972, and played till 1975 for the Reds.
After retiring as a player Onnie coached Rewa from 1976 and 1980 and Nasinu.
Onnie was the founder and the president of Rewa Football Legends which is currently very active now looking after the welfare of former Rewa Legends.
He is survived by his four sons and three daughters.
Onnie will be laid to rest this Wednesday at 11am at Nasinu Cemetery before the church service at his home at 32 Shalimar Street in Suva.
