Fiji FA inducts former national team players

THIRTEEN former national football players from the North were inducted into the Fiji Football Association’s Legend Club during the opening of the 2020 Vodafone Fiji FACT in Labasa last Wednesday.

Fiji FA chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said there were more than 55 members in the club.

“We have been honouring all the former players who are no longer in the limelight for their contribution in football. We had a chance to come to Labasa and look for the great warriors of Vanua Levu who have played for the national team in the Melenesian Cup, South Pacific Games, FIFA World Cup qualifiers and friendly internationals,” said Yusuf.

Yusuf said Fiji FA was proud to induct them into the Fiji FA Legends Club

“They will be special guests in every Fiji FA’s function and will be given life-time passes to all the major tournaments and functions,” said Yusuf.

Yusuf said more players would be inducted in the future.

The 13 players from the North that were recognised included Kasimiro Dinono, Tony Kabakoro, former goalkeeper Shamal Kumar, Taniela Tuilevuka and Jope Lomu.

Also inducted were Epeli Levaci, Buli Cama, Tevita Tukania, Pita Bolaitoga, Waisale Rasoki, Nete Francis, Sanaila Bera, Thomas Vuilivuli and Henry Dyer.

Kasimiro Dinono – former national team member in the 70s from Seaqaqa. Later joined Labasa and played for many years. The deadly left striker was regarded as a scoring machine

Tony Kabakoro – former Suva rep, played four Fijian national team and was member of the South Pacific Games teams who won silver in Samoa. Played in the Suva team that stopped Ba’s record of IDC victories. He played for Savusavu after his return from New Zealand and is the current president of the Savusavu FC. A intelligent midfielder

Shamal Kumar – a great goalkeeper to come out of Labasa. Played for Fiji for many years and part of the Pacific Games team that won silver medal. Current goalkeeping coach in the north. Employed by Fiji FA.

Taniela Tuilevuka - a flamboyant attacking right back for Labasa, part of many memorable victories for the lions. Was a long time member of the Fijian national team. Won silver medal in 1991 in the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu, gold medal in South Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea and a silver in 1992 Melanesian Games, widely known as the Bhagwan by Labasa fans. Became a Facebook sensation while doing a tirikutu dance later with friends in Vunika Labasa

Jope Lomu- He started playing in the age group national team from a very young age of 16. The pint size left defender was later the mainstay of Labasa’s many victories. Was a member of national team that won gold medal in 1991 and 1993 Melanesian Cup gold medal and a bronze medal in SPG in Tahiti in 1995. Was banned by FIFA for punching a New Zealand players twice his size at North Harbour Stadium.

Epeli Levaci- Another livewire midfielder from Labasa, was part of the team that won gold medal in Papua New Guinea in 1991. Later was coach Labasa as well. His son Manasa Levaci is a contracted Player for Suva FC

Buli Cama – Born in the remote area of Nadogo, played for Labasa and Nadogo for many areas and Fiji for five years. Won a silver medal in Vanuatu in 1983

Tevita Tukania – this deadly striker was groomed by some Labasa greats such as Hussein Sahib and Anand Sami. A player with immense talent, could kick with both feet. Won gold medal for Fiji in SPG. Was a dual international as well having played for Fijian national rugby team. His brother also followed his footstep and played for Fiji and Labasa

Pita Bolaitoga - Played overseas as well for Hekari United, won silver medal in Samoa Pacific Games in 2007. Captained and coached Labasa.

Thomas Vulivuli - was picked by a Uruguay coach Washington Gonzales in 1998 as a 15-year-old from Savusavu. Played for Fiji U6, U19, U23 and national team. Was a member of Fiji team that won gold medal for in 2007 Pacific Games in Suva

Waisale Rasoki – He played for national for five years, was part of the SPG team on two occasions, still playing at the age of 38. Once in Tahiti he ran the fasted 100 meters ever recorded.