Pele the greatest
PELE took his last breath on December 29, 2022. In November Pele entered the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo for cancer treatment. Medical reports state the soccer star died due to organ failure caused by colon cancer. His death was confirmed by his daughter Kely Nascimento on Instagram. Pele is the only man to win the World Cup a record three times. He was 82 when his soul left for eternal rest. Pele took home three World Cup winner’s medals, the first time as a 17-yearold in Sweden in 1958, the second in Chile four years later – even though he missed most of the tournament through injury – and the third in Mexico in 1970, when he led what is considered to be one of the greatest sides ever to play the game.
He was 17 years elder than me hence most of his days of playing I had the opportunity to sort of learn of and see on VHS tapes. For generations people will remember the star’s contribution to the sport he became master of before taking a wellearned retirement. Isa Pele the legendary star of soccer and a great athlete is no more. I take this opportunity to convey my sincere condolences to the late player’s surviving family members. May his soul rest in peace and the family find the strength to cope with the loss.
SURESH CHAND
Nadi
The legend
THE legend of the world’s most beautiful game has now departed for his heavenly abode.
RIP Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele) – the greatest footballer indeed.
NISHANT SINGH
Lautoka
End of an era
WITH the end of 2022, we sadly bid farewell to one of the Brazilian soccer legends and the original GOAT (Greatest of all time), Pele.
He was a true sportsman and an inspiration for millions of footballers. He passed away at the age of
82 on December 29,
2022. Rest high in love, legend!
DINESH KUMAR
Ba
King Pele
THE whole world is mourning the death of football king. The sporting icon made football a beautiful game, a game to play and enjoy.
Many have tried to emulate the performance of Pele, both on and off the pitch.
He is the only player who has won FIFA World Cup three times.
Today, not only the football fraternity but the whole world is saddened by his demise.
ARUN PRASAD Dilkusha, Nausori
Pele leaves behind fond memories!
PELE, who was called the magical Brazilian soccer star, rose from barefoot poverty to become one of the greatest and best-known athletes in modern history. Recognised as the ‘King’ of Football, the Brazilian superstar treated football fans to 21 years of unparalleled play, winning three FIFA World Cups for Brazil (1958, 1962 and 1970) as the first and only footballer in history to do so.
Pele died at the age of 82. Pele, whose given name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, scored a world record 1281 goals. With sublime skills and a winning smile, he helped make football the world’s most popular sport and he charmed popes, presidents and Hollywood stars in a seven-decade career as player and ambassador for the sport. He was respected for his range of talents, and more so than any player since, he could do it all. He was two-footed, had tremendous pace and stamina, could head, pass, tackle, and of course, he could score goals. Pele had suffered from a series of health issues in recent years, including hip surgery that left him with recurring pain and trouble walking unaided.
He reduced his public appearances, but remained active on social media. There will never be another Pele. For me, this legend is the greatest. He left a legacy that will be hard to fulfill. Rest high Pele, and thank you for the beautiful and fond memories!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Mourning a loss
THE footballing world is mourning the loss of an all time great, Pele, who passed away at the age of 82 after battling cancer for some time. Current and former players, coaches and the global footballing dynasty is paying homage to the Brazilian icon, who is till date, the only player to have won three World Cups. Pele burst onto the scene in the 1958 World Cup as a 17-year-old, in which he scored in the final.
His record of being the last teenager to score in the World Cup final was broken by Kylian Mbappe in Russia, 2018. Although my generation and my parents’ generation have never seen him play, his legacy can be felt by every individual connected to the footballing universe. My grandparents do fondly tell me about how great the man was, not just on the field but off the field too, with his leadership qualities. Pele now joins the companionship of other footballing icons like Johan Cruyff and Diego Maradona in his eternal home. Rest in paradise, Pele.
RAYNAV CHAND
JP Maharaj St, Nakasi
Changes and surprise
THERE are many ways to describe 2022 but in my humble opinion it was a year of change and surprise. On our domestic scene, the Marist Brothers High School surprised all at Churchill Park and after at least 40 years the Deans Trophy is camping at Flagstaff. Just when our hopes were low, our national sevens gladiators snatched the Rugby World Cup trophy. Globally, many had come to terms with the passing away of Queen Elizabeth. The world was almost brought to a standstill when Russia embarked on its invasion of Ukraine. This conflict continues and so does the increasing price of fuel on a global scale.
Just when one thought COVID was contained, the numbers continue to rise both at home and in China. At home, never in our history has national politics taken such a twist that a party with only three parliamentarians has had the balance of power in a coalition in government which ousted the FijiFirst party. On a personal note, I recall meeting often with a humble gentleman who had his fare share of jokes but is now the Assistant Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, honourable Sakiusa Tubuna.
As we embark on the journey of a new year, there is one thing for sure. Changes and surprises will continue as this is a reality of life.
FLOYD ROBINSON
Nasese, Suva
Threat or not?
PROFESSOR Pal Aluwalia was deported from Fiji because he was deemed to be a security threat. Could the new Government confirm that he is no longer a security threat?
SUKHA SINGH
Labasa
Our coffers
I READ with extreme keen interest the statement by Tourism Fiji CEO, Brent Hill, that tourism income generated from January to November 2022 amounts to a staggering $1.73 billion. Does 100 per cent of these finances come into Fiji’s coffers? My million dollar question: “Is all of the income generated from overseas markets actually repatriated to Fiji?”
Or just an apportioned percentage for monthly expenses? If so, total Fiji income from tourism is, in reality, not $1.73 billion, in my limited humble layman’s view. I will stand corrected. I would like to learn Fiji tourism’s true earnings, most respectfully.
Thank you in earnest anticipation.
RONNIE CHANG
Martintar, Nadi