THE JK Nadi Veterans side were crowned the champions of the RC Manubhai/Apco Coatings Veterans tournament which ended at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on Sunday.
The side defeated Rewa Masters 5-4 in penalty kicks after no goal was scored in normal time.
Laced with former district and national reps both teams dispplayed entertaining football in the three da
The Patrick Wise captained Rewa Masters defeated Western Fiji Sports King Club 2-0 in the first semi-final while Maika Kasami’s JK Nadi Veterans won 4-2 in penalty kicks against Rewa Legends in the second semi-final.
A total of 28 pool matches was played with seventeen teams participating in the tournament which was very successful.
Fiji FA chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf says this was for the first time 17 local teams participated in the tournament.
“It is great to see our former district and national reps meet and reunite with their former teammates, “said Yusuf
Yusuf said Fiji FA with partnership with RC Manubhai and APCO Coatings started this tournament in 2014 with an objective to gather the former district players who were now retired to come back to one venue to enjoy football and reunite.
“Some players met each other after so many years here in the three day tournament.”
“This is part of the Fiji FA’s social responsibility that we want to create this competition for the health and well-being of our former players, “said Yusuf
Yusuf added that whatever profit Fiji FA makes from the tournament as such is utilised to assist former players in their children welfare.
“The little profits that we receive from such a tournament does not go into the Fiji FA account but kept separately. We utilise that money for the educational needs and we pay for the ex-players children’s school kits.”
“Because some players are retired and it was their major source of income, we reach out to them and support their children. This is where these funds kick in and the trustees of the funds are the former players like Rusiate Waqa, Lote Delai, and Subash.”
“Fiji FA through the trustee’s funds supported the education of Tom Valentine’s and Mesulame Titifanua’s children in recent years. The funds are for such incidences and will be used for the very needs of our people.”
Yusuf congratulated all the participating teams for displaying wonderful football during the tournament.
“Congratulations to JK Nadi Veterans for winning the title this year and also Rewa Masters for giving a tough challenge in the final, “said Yusuf.
JK Nadi Veterans walked away with $4000 prizemoney while Rewa Masters received $1500.
Rewa striker Pita Rabo scooped the Golden Boot Award for scoring six goal in the tournament while former Lautoka, Rewa and national midfielder Maika Waqa was awarded with the Best Player of the Tournament.
Former national and Labasa rep Tevita Tuakani was awarded with the Oldest Player of the Tournament award playing at the age of 61.
JK Nadi Veterans side was coached by former Lautoka coach Lambert Sarju and had the services of former Nadi goalkeeper Waisiki Batina, Maika Kasami, Watisoni Voli,Thomas Robert, Timoci Matanitu,Peniasi Vakasaukuru,Senial Dakaica former Lautoka and national rep Maika Waqa.
Rewa Masters under the guidance Subash Chand had the services of former Rewa goalkeeper Joela Baleidrokadroka, Patrick Wise, Sakeo Valelvou, Pita Rabo, former Navua reps Sailosi Livatalo, Seveci Rokotakala,former Labasa, Suva and Rewa midfielder Thomas Vulivuli and former Savusavu and Labasa rep Johnny Simpson.
