Fiji FA confirms veterans pool

THE pools for the 2022 RC Manubhai/Apco Coatings International Veterans Tournament will be drawn tomorrow at the RC Manubhai Raiwaqa branch.

Five overseas teams have confirmed participation in the tournament with more than 20 local sides.

The four-day tournament will be held from June 2-5 during the second round of the Digicel Fiji FACT.

Fiji FA chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf confirmed the tournament would be played for the over-40 years.

“This year’s tournament is open to all players born before January 1, 1983, which means any player who is born in the year 1982 and before is eligible. No rookie players shall be allowed,” Yusuf said.

He said there was huge interest from teams.

“There has been huge interest from local and overseas teams so there is more than 16 teams as we expected,” Yusuf said.

“All funds collected from the tournament will be put under a fund to assist the children of former national football reps.”

Yusuf says the veteran’s tournament, which has become an annual event, continues to grow.

“This indeed is a very special event for Fiji FA,” Yusuf said.

“The former reps have entertained the fans for a number of years and it is only fitting to hold a veterans tournament which gives an opportunity to these players to celebrate their achievements and as well the young generation to see who these prominent figures are.”

The winner of the 2014 RC Manubhai/Apco Coatings Fiji International Veterans tournament gets $4000 while the runner-up $1500.

There has been huge interest from local and overseas teams so there is more than 16 teams as we expected

– Mohammed Yusuf