Nemani’s role
THE Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Maritino Nemani, a former national and Suva captain and former Suva Football Association president remains one of the loyal fans to date for the Capital City Whites team.
Nemani has been appointed as the new Suva football team technical advisor and he will be working closely with new coach Babas Khan who takes over the job as head coach from Kamal Swamy.
Nemani said his love for football remained and he took the job to help in the development of the sport and the team.
After 23 years, the former football star returns to make a difference.
“It’s been a long time,” the Bua native, who was among players to play only for Suva during his football career,” he said.
“Last time I was a coach where we won the 1997 National League and president in 2007-2008.
“It’s a long time, but I’m back and this is a voluntary job.
“I’ve been following football all around the world and it’s not easy because rules have changed but I’m here to assist whatever possible way I could.
“I started in Suva, played, coach, captain, became president and retired in Suva, so it was not too difficult because I was passionate.
“I think I just need to re-energise myself and say ‘look this is where I can help in a voluntary way for the people of Suva, for the players and for the officials and those who love football and particularly for me’ because these are youths and to assist them to become better youths and build better characters for themselves.”