Bula Boys prove critics wrong!
THE Digicel Fiji Bula Boys proved critics wrong, as they beat hosts Solomon Islands 2-0 in the final leg of the FIFA Friendlies at the iconic Lawson Tama Stadium.
The win refreshed memories of how our national football side beat the Solomons 3-1 on their home turf in 1988, 36 years ago, during the final of the Melanesia Cup with ten players due to the hostile crowd and the fact that the bus carrying the Fiji players was stoned after the match versus New Caledonia.
Fiji led 3-0 with goals to Ratu Suliano Matanitabua, Abraham Watkins and Ronald Chaudhry. Apart from the trio, the likes of Kaverieli Salesi, the late Nasoni Buli, Pita Dau and Simon ‘Maradona’ Peters, Maretino Nemani, Josevata Malakai, Ravuama Madigi, Ronald Mani, Tevita Lasaqa, Jone Watisoni, Shafiq Ali and Lote Delai were part of the fantastic 1988 team.
Back to the 2-0 win, and the character, resilience and fighting spirit of the Bula Boys were tested, as they were under pressure after the 2-1 loss in the first test. It’s never easy playing the hosts at Lawson Tama, but Fiji did well, and star-midfielder Mohammed Raheen showed his footwork, as he curled another David Beckham like free-kick into the back of the net.
The Seaqaqa lad is becoming the player to watch. Captain Roy Krishna extended Fiji’s lead and I must commend the defenders for executing the defensive pattern well and containing the onslaught from the hosts.
Head coach Rob Sherman and his coaching team must be commended for winning the two-match series.
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu