New Zealand Fiji Soccer Inc held its annual IDC Tournament at Bill McKinlay Park in the Auckland suburb of Panmure during the Labour Weekend (from October 20 to 25).
For the first time, the Tournament featured 18 teams, each with players full of hope, competence and the fighting spirit.
They were disciplined and friendly, with a professional approach to the game and respect for each other.
It was great to see the players and their officials in their District Team colours.
Luke Vidovi, Waisake Sambutu, Atunesh Prasad, Shalesh Kumar and Alan Jesoni were among the well-known players at the Tournament.
Rewa’s win in the penalty shoot led the Tournament to a thrilling finish.
Unfortunately, the Nadi and Rakiraki teams, who were favourites, had to bow out of the game in the quarterfinals, while Nasinu and Navua were out in the pool match.
Although down, they are not out – the teams can look forward to another chance at the Battle of the Giants, which will be held from November 30 to December 5, 2010 and at the International Veteran Soccer due to be held in January 2011.
I must commend the gaming spirit of all the participating teams. They registered on time, trained well and played impressive soccer.
I hope such goodwill and friendliness will prevail in all the forthcoming events organised by the NZFS.
I wish to thank our major sponsors Lals Transport, Minibus Hire & Handi Foods, other sponsors including Naidu Holdings Ltd, Artistic Embroidery Ltd, Active Security Ltd, DTR Mangere, S&S Developments Ltd, Sharma Legal Barristers & Solicitors, Rams Cleaning Services, Print Ezy, mytruelocal.co.nz and Patel Associates.
We congratulate the winning Team Rewa, Runner-Up Nadro Stallion and the semifinalist Premier Panel & Paint Rakiraki and Labasa.
We look forward to meeting all the teams, their officials, sponsors and soccer enthusiasts at the Battle of Giants Tournament, registration for which will close on November 18, 2010.
Jiten Lal is the Secretary of the New Zealand Fiji Soccer Inc based in Auckland.
