Legends hail VIP pass Fiji FA assists families
FIJI football legends Abdul Mannan, Onnie Wong, Vula Wate, Dan Lutumailagi and Jone Ratu have praised the Fiji Football Association for giving them VIP treatment at the 2022 Digicel Fiji FACT.
On behalf of all of them, Mannan said they were lost of words to thank Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel and its board.
“We are thankful to the current administration for recognising us and giving us an opportunity to be their special quests in a major tournament.
“This is the first time the former players have been given such a VIP treatment at a major tournament.
“We were given all the privilege which we never dreamt of,” said the former Rewa rep.
“It was great to be part of the team at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka and watching the games with our teammates which brought a lot of memories.”
Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel says this is something new for the association as they believe these players deserve to be rewarded for giving their blood, sweat and tears on the field for Fiji.
“The former players will be given gold passes to attend all events organised by the Fiji Football Association which is something we have decided to pay them back with,” Patel said.
Fiji FA has inducted more than 70 members in its Legends Club who will be given privileges at Fiji FA events.
THE Fiji Football Association brought smiles on the faces of three families of former football players after they were handed cheques worth $500 on Sunday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
This was part of Fiji FA’s social responsibility in assisting in the education of the children of former players who were in need.
Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel said remembering the hard work of former players was very important.
“We always say that we have forgotten the players of Fiji and don’t remember them, but we have decided that this will never happen,” Patel said.
Patel said the revenue generated through the RC Manubhai/APCO Coatings International Veterans tournament would be given back to the people.
“Whenever the veterans tournament will be held, we will give it (revenue) back for the children’s education.
“Every year we will be presenting four families with a cheque of $500 each which goes towards the welfare of children’s school needs.”
He said they would consider increasing the assistance in the future should the veterans tournament be able to generate more revenue.
“This is all for a good cause and we are honouring our players who have given their hearts out for their district and country.”
Patel confirmed the decision on which families would be awarded was made by the trustees of a veterans committee which is headed by former national team captain Abdul Mannan and former national reps Onnie Wong and Lote Delai.
The recipients were former Suva, Rewa and national midfielder Pita Rabo, former Rewa, Nadi, Ba and national rep Inia Bola, and former Nadi, Rewa and national rep Emosi Baleinuku.