The Fiji Times has lost a valuable staff member and sports journalist whose extensive network gained him the respect of peers throughout the media industry.
In fact, his web of contacts in the sporting fraternity was so extensive that colleagues joked that he could get the job done, even if he wasn’t physically present in the office.
Zanzeer Singh or ‘Zan’, as he was fondly known, came from a line of fervent sports journalists from the 2000s who transformed Times Sport, alongside the likes of Manoj Kumar and the late Maciu Malo.
He had stints with the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation in 1995, following which he joined the Fiji Sun.
Zan joined this newspaper in 2003 and spent 20 years with the company until his departure.
In his early days, Zan developed an affinity for capturing sports – a skill he shared with his brother Ranbeer – also a renowned Fijian journalist.
Based in the newspaper’s West Bureau, he became one of the most notable names that graced the pages of Times Sports.
But a journalist of his cadre also recognised the importance of highlighting less known sports which would normally have to put up a fight to even get coverage.
Zan was familiar with all sports, whether it be rugby, football, golf, cricket, tennis, or snooker.
He knew the sportspeople, managers, coaches and even the sponsors.
His in-depth knowledge of the sporting arena in the West caught the attention of his editors and soon, he was responsible for sports content coming out of the division.
He worked seamlessly alongside fellow sports reporter Maciu Malo in the 2010s, until Mac’s passing in 2019.
Despite his many years of experience, Zan did not look down on any reporter, even novices.
Zan’s help for his peers transcended age and experience, as he was more than willing to shed light on sports, pass on contacts and even guide newbies on how to cover sporting events.
And his nature of giving extended beyond the workplace.
For his co-workers in the West office, Zan was an irreplaceable part of the team.
His warm camaraderie meant he would often walk into work with containers of food, usually it was curry or roti, or palau, and bring enough for everyone to share.
If he went out, he would bring back food.
Zan was a part of many outings that the West team organised – sometimes he was the organiser.
But it was a herculean task to get him to take a picture with the team, simply because he preferred to stay in the background.
All those who knew Zan will share similar stories of his generosity and amicable nature.
As his peers grieve, they also recognise the indelible mark he left on the lives of all those who knew him.
