While the Fiji Team emerged as FANCA champion, defeating Canada (2-1) in the Primary Division at the Muslim World Cup Tournament, the annual event achieved its purpose of bringing together soccer players, officials and enthusiasts from at least five countries.
Fiji also won the ‘Under 21’ title, defeating New Zealand 1-0 in the final.
In the ‘Veterans Over 42’ final, Canada defeated New Zealand 3-0.
The New Zealand Teams (Over 42 and Under 21) were the Runners-Up in their respective divisions.
New Zealand’s mastermind Rauf Khan received the well-deserved ‘Midfielder of the Tournament Award.’
Endearing games
The five-day matches, held at Prince Charles Park in Nadi and Churchill Park in Lautoka from September 26 to 30, 2012, were a source of endearment for the Indo-Fijian communities all over the world.
The first game was played between Canada and the US in the Over 35s Division.
The ensuing days say the participating teams competing in three divisions, namely, Primary, Over 35s and Over 42s.
Australia’s Over 35 team outclassed every opponent in its pool and defeated Canada 3-0 in the final to win the Masters Championship.
Mohammed Shafeem received the ‘Goalkeeper of the Tournament Award.” While Arif Azam (Former Ba player and Fiji Rep) was honoured with the ‘Most Valuable Player of the Tournament’ Award.
The New Zealand Muslim and Fiji soccer communities are proud of the achievements of the Over 42 and Under 21 teams.
The New Zealand Sports Associations, an amalgam of a number of Muslim Sports Associations represented New Zealand’s Fiji Muslim soccer community at the World Cup (Indian Newslink, May 1, 2012).
Building bridges
FANCA is an acronym for Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and America, representing the Muslim Soccer communities in these countries.
The Tournament, epitomising FANCA’s slogan of ‘Building Islamic brotherhood from Sea to Sea,’ comprised a number of other events, including a meeting of Board of Governors, Quran Tilawat Competition and dinner.
Fijian President Epeli Nailatikau inaugurated the Tournament on September 26, while Justice Minister and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum was the Chief Guest at a dinner held in Nadi on September 25.
Arveen Sharma is Senior Procurement/Contract Management Officer at the Treasury Directorate of the Federal Government of Australia based in Canberra.
FANCA Champion-The Australian Team (Over 35)
The Runner-Up- The New Zealand Team (Over 42)
