Thirteen former national football players from North were inducted into the Fiji Football Association’s Legend Club during the opening of the 2020 Vodafone Fiji FACT in Labasa last Wednesday.
Fiji FA chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said there were more than 55 members in the club.
“We have been honoring all the former players who are longer in the limelight for their contribution in football,”
“We had a chance to come to Labasa and look for the great warriors of Vanua Levu who have played for the national team in the Melenesian Cup, South Pacific Games, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Friendly International, “said Yusuf
Yusuf said Fiji FA was proud to induct them into the Fiji FA Legend Club
“They will be special guest in every Fiji FA’s function will be given life time pass to all the major tournaments and functions, “said Yusuf
Yusuf said more players would be inducted in the future.
The 13 players from the north that were recognized included Kasamiro Dinono, Tony Kabakoro, former goalkeeper Shamal Kumar, Taniela Tuilevuka and Jope Lomu.
Also inducted were Epeli Levaci, Buli Cama, Tevita Tukania, Pita Baleitoga, Waisale Rasoki, Nete Francis, Sanaila Bera and Henry Dyer.
1. KASIMIRO DINONO – former national team member in the 70” S from Seaqaqa. Later joined Labasa and played for many years. the deadly left striker was regarded as a scoring machine
2. TONY KABAKORO – former Suva rep, played for the Fijian national team and was a member of the south pacific games teams who won silver in Samoa. Played in the Suva team that stopped Ba’s record of IDC victories. played for Savusavu after his return from New Zealand and current president of the Savusavu FC. An intelligent midfielder
3. SHAMAL KUMAR – a great goalkeeper to come out of Labasa, Played for Fiji for many years, and part of the pacific games team that won the silver medal. Current goalkeeping coach in the north. Employed by Fiji FA.
4. TANIELA TUILEVUKA- a flamboyant attacking right-back for Labasa, part of many memorable victories for the lions. Was a long-time member of the Fijian national team. Won silver medal in 1991 in minigames in Vanuatu, gold medal in south pacific games in Papua New Guinea, and a silver in 1992 Melanesian games, widely known as the BHAGWAN by Labasa fans. Became a Facebook sensation whilst doing a tirikutu dance later with friends in Vunika Labasa
5. JOPE LOMU- this player started playing in the age group national team from a very young age of 16 years. The pint-size left defender was later the mainstay of Labasa’s many victories. Was a member of the national team that won a gold medal in 1991, the 1993 Melanesian Cup gold medal, and a bronze medal in SPG in Tahiti in 1995? Was banned by FIFA for Punching a New Zealand twice his size in North Harbor stadium.
6. EPELI LEVACI- Another livewire midfielder from Labasa, was part of the team that won the gold medal in Papua New Guinea in 1991. Later was a coach for Labasa as well. His son Manasa Levaci is a contracted Player for Suva FC
7. BULI CAMA – another midfielder born in the remote area of Nadogo, played for Labasa and Nadogo for many areas and Fiji for 5 years. 1993 silver medal in Vanuatu
8. TEVITA TUKANIA – this deadly striker was groomed by the likes of Hussein Sahib and Anand Sami, a player with immense talent, could kick with both feet. Won a gold medal for Fiji in SPG. Was a dual international as well having played for the Fijian national rugby team? His brother also followed his footstep and played for Fiji and Labasa
9. PITA BALEITOGA- another great player for Labasa. Played overseas as well for Hekari United, won a silver medal in Samoa pacific games in 2007. Former captain, coach of Labasa.
10. THOMAS VULIVULI – – was picked by Uruguay coach Washington Gonzales in 1998 as a 15-year-old from Savusavu. Played for Fiji u16, u19, u23, and the national team. Was a member of Fiji team that won a gold medal for in 2007 pacific games in Suva
11. WAISALE RASOKI – this player has played for national for 5 years, was part of the SPG team on 2 occasions, still playing now at the age of 38. Once in Tahiti he ran the fasted 100 meters ever recorded.
