Published in The Fiji Times on April 2, 1991.
Lote Delai re-lit the all-conquering ‘Ba Magic’ flames at Govind Park yesterday to burn off a vigorous Labasa challenge to the first BBC/Wonderchik Fiji FACT $5000 fortune.
The hosts, victors of countless major soccer tournaments, won 1-0 from a goal by veteran Delai in the opening minute. They dedicated it to the late Shashi Mahendra Singh, the architect to many of their past conquests and the man who literally founded Ba soccer.
It took Ba that much time to again stamp their supremacy in the local soccer scene, quickly subduing the men from the Babasiga hills who had arrived at the final after a series of upset wins over some tournament favourites. It was announced yesterday that the 1992 tournament would be hosted by the Northerners.
Delai, the lanky defender who has been a regular national team rep for about five years, left his berth to slam home the winner 30 yards outside the Labasa goal box.
He was on the spot to convert a stranded Vimal Sami cross which rolled his way. His shot caught the Labasa defenders by surprise especially goalkeeper Eugene Williams who was obviously shocked when he saw the ball at the back of the net.
He only realised that Delai’s kick had gone past him when referee Hari Raj Naicker blew the whistle and pointed to centre-field. The goal was all the hosts needed as they held on grimly, keeping the few Labasa attacks at bay and killing the game at the back through goalkeeper Iosevo Vosaboto and Epeli Rokoqica.
The win was also an added honour to coach Farouk Janeman who had only a week to prepare a winning combination for the tournament.
Janeman, manager Arvind Singh and goalscorer Delai were all speechless as Times Sport approached them for comments after the win.
