Thumbs up for Fiji FA
BRISBANE Bula Boys rep Stewart Bola has given the Fiji Football Association the thumbs up for organising the RC Manubhai/Apco Coating International Veterans Championship at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
The former national rep who represented Nadi and Rewa at district level, said the reason for the team to participate in the tournament was to rekindle friendship and reminisce about the good old playing days.
Bola, who also played for professional club Eastern Suburbs in New Zealand, said it was good for Fiji FA to organise the competition soon after the borders opened.
“They have done a really good job getting sponsors and the venue which is very nice,” he said.
“The ground conditions could have been a bit better, but we cannot complain.For us, the Brisbane Bula Boys, we play in the league every Friday.
“It is about being mates getting together having a bowl of kava after the game and enjoying each other’s company.
“In their first match, Brisbane Bula Boys drew with Fiji Western Kings nil-all and then defeated Northland Masters 1-0 with Bola netting the winner in the second spell.
The side lost 0-1 to Labasa in its final group game yesterday.
Bola said the heat took its toll on the players.
“It has been a good outing for us, but we are not used to playing in this kind of hot conditions. We played two games on Thursday and then another game this morning (yesterday), so it has taken a toll on us. The guys are pretty tired.”
The Brisbane Bula boys, which also includes former Fiji captain Esala Masi and former national and district reps Naveen Kumar (Lautoka/Nadi), will participate in the Sunshine Coast Masters Football Championship from October 14-16.
The side will also play in the Pan Pacific Games which will be held on the Gold Coast from November 5-13.
Meanwhile, in a high scoring encounter, Rewa Masters thumped My Suva Legends 6-0. Former Suva, Rewa and national striker Pita Rabo scored four goals in the fixture.The quarterfinals will begin at 7pm following the conclusion of the Digicel Fiji FACT semifinals.The winner of the veterans tournament will receive $4000.