The rising number of people evincing interest has demonstrated the fact that Fijians in general and Indo-Fijians in particular love to play or watch a good soccer game. They turn up in thousands with families and friends at every soccer match and make it a family event.
The Radio Apna Fiji Soccer Cup 2011, which will mark the inauguration of a $2 million Stadium, Clubhouse and other facilities in Centre Park located in the South Auckland suburb of Auckland, would have a number of unique features.
Among the most significant for these features is the formation of four ‘Fan Clubs,’ each dedicated to a popular team arriving from Fiji.
The Fan Clubs have been coordinating with the organisers of the Fiji Soccer Cup to make the visitors feel at home, bringing to the fore the spirit of kinship and understanding that has been thus far so conspicuous by its absence.
Lautoka Fan Club
When Dylan Datt, an ardent Soccer player and fan heard that a Soccer Cup featuring teams from Fiji was on the anvil, he got together a few friends to establish the ‘Lautoka Fan Club,’ as a mark of goodwill to the former residents of his hometown and welcome the visiting players.
The Group organised a Social Night to mobilise financial resources and the success that the effort achieved was indicative of the support extended by businesses and individuals to promote soccer.
Dylan is also an ardent supporter of the New Zealand-Fiji Rugby League but his love for soccer got the better of him.
“It was a pleasure to be involved in this venture, without any interference to my commitment to the League,” he said.
The picture shows Dylan and his friends discussing plans for the Lautoka Fan Club at a recent meeting.
Nadi Fan Club
Fundraising was the initial activity for the Nadi Fan Club, under the chairmanship of Nur Ahmed (also known as Noa).
“I was a bit nervous at the beginning but the support and patronage received was overwhelming. We have had a number of meetings with the members of my Club and everyone was enthusiastic about the forthcoming Fiji Cup matches,” he said.
The picture appearing here shows Nur and his team planning for the event.
Ba Fan Club
Soccer enthusiasts say that if Fijians are soccer-mad, then residents of Ba must be considered ‘the maddest of them all!” Fiercely competitive and professional to the core, soccer players from this Town have occupied headlines all the time.
It was therefore no surprise that the Ba Fan Club had an impressive start.
The Club’s Chairman Aneez Bhamji, Coordinator Leo Sauni and other members have been working round the clock to raise funds and put together a proper plan of action. Leo has organised a get together over dinner on February 15 at the Mangere Football Stadium (Centre Park) to welcome the Boys in Black from Fiji.
“This dinner party will also provide an opportunity for the local teams and residents of Ba in New Zealand to meet the great players,” he said.
Among those in the picture are Leo Sauni, Illiyas Daud, Jay Prakash and Raniga Sauni.
Suva Fan Club
Members of the Suva Fan Club were among the most excited groups looking forward to the Radio Apna Fiji Soccer Cup 2011.
Sentiments ran high at a meeting of the Club held in Manukau last week to take stock of the arrangements made.
The meeting, attended by former Suva and Fiji National Captains, Maritino Nemani and Shailendra Lal and former Fiji Sports Minister Rajesh Singh hoped that soccer fans will turn out in large numbers at the new Stadium in Centre Park, Mangere.
The Suva Team was among the first to arrive in New Zealand to participate in the Tournament.
For details about the Suva fan Club, call Maritino Nemani 021-207216
