The long cherished desire of the Fiji Indian football officials, coaches, players and fans to have a stadium of their own will become a reality with the official opening of the Centre Park Sports Stadium in Mangere next fortnight.
The $2 million facility was an initiative of Mangere United Soccer Club, which had to battle a series of challenges and problems, all of which were overcome by Mangere United and NZFAFC President Mohammed Imran and his Committee, with the support of the community and commercial organisations.
The coveted Fiji Soccer Cup matches will be played at the Stadium from February 16 to 20, 2011 to commemorate the inaugural.
As well as quality soccer matches involving ten teams, the five-day event will witness a Family Carnival, complete with food and other stalls, amusement for children and other attractions.
Four teams from Fiji, one each from Ba, Lautoka, Nadi and Suva are expected to participate in the tournament, apart from four NZIDC Semifinalists and two teams from Sydney.
But the organisers were waiting with bated breath at press time to have the visa applications of the Fiji players approved. The New Zealand Government imposed travel sanctions on Fiji Government officials and sporting teams following the December 2006 coup. Since then relations between the two countries have been frosty, although tourist traffic continues to flourish.
Fiji Cup 2011 Chairman Ayaaz Khan said Fiji Football Association President Dr Shamsud-Dean Sahu Khan would participate in the Tournament.
“The Fiji Cup 2011 will not only provide quality soccer in a professional environment, but also help us to maintain the Stadium, which comprises changing rooms for four teams, paramedic room, board room, canteen and storage rooms. The upper level consists of a bar, canteen with kitchen, commentary booth, the Club office and a hall to cater to about 300 people.
“The Stadium will accommodate a total of 3000 spectators,” he said.
The Fiji Cup 2011 Committee comprises a number of veterans. They include Bobby Chandra, Dylan Datt, Iliyas Daud, James Kado, Kiran Chandra, Maritino Nemani, Mohammed Imran, Nur Ahmed, Satyawan Singh, Shameem Ali and Vimlesh Singh.
Mr Khan said four Fan Clubs have been established for the Four Fiji Teams. Details can be obtained from Shameem Ali (Ba) 021-705045; Dyan Datt (Lautoka) Phone: (09) 2702011 Mobile: 027- 2711244; Nur Ahmad (Nadi) Phone: (09) 2792276; Maritino Nemani (Suva) 021-2072716.
