IN the world of Fijian football, few can say they played in a major tournament final and then filed the match report for the next day’s paper.
But for Maika Kasami, that was reality. As a budding midfielder for Nadi and a young sports reporter for Daily Post in 1996, he had to juggle the thrill of representing his district with the responsibility of keeping a journalist’s neutrality, a rare balancing act that shaped his identity both on and off the field.
“I had to play for Nadi and then report on the match. Even when we lost, I had to be neutral,” he said with a chuckle, remembering those whirlwind weekends.
“It was tough at first, but my sporting background helped a lot. Eventually, I got used to it.”
Kasami’s football journey began at Kennedy FC in Division 2 before his big break came in 1996 at just 21 years old.
That year, he was named in the star-studded Nadi squad alongside legends like Vinod Kumar, Seremaia Tale, and Ramendra Dutt. Under the guidance of coaches Prem Chand and the late Roblin Autar, Nadi went on to win the Fiji FACT at home, thrashing Lautoka 4-0 in the final.
Kasami made his tournament debut as a substitute and soaked up knowledge from his veteran teammates.
“That first tournament game will always be memorable,” he said.
“There was pressure to perform at home, but the boys helped me settle in.”
The 1996 season was special, Nadi didn’t just win the Fiji FACT but also bagged the Battle of the Giants title. And true to form, the Nadi fans made sure the players felt appreciated.
“Nadi fans are crazy when the team wins. They’ll shower you with gifts, literally,” he said.
While Kasami found joy in football, he also witnessed its evolution. Reflecting on the sport’s changes, he noted how today’s players differ physically and tactically.
“Back then, the players were more built and aggressive but still played constructive football. Now, the players are smaller in stature and play under more advanced coaching systems,” he added.
Kasami’s memories of fierce battles with Ba, Lautoka, Nadroga, and Tavua teams remain vivid. “Ba was the toughest,” he recalled.
“They had a solid side, known for building play from the back.”
Despite the toughness of the game back then, the payments were humble.
“My first match payment was $30,” he said. “If we played twice a week and won both games, that was $60. That’s all we played for.”
Today, the sport has changed in more ways than one.
“Now players are well-paid for training and games. That wasn’t the case in our time.”
As the 2025 BiC Fiji FACT approaches, Kasami sees echoes of his own journey in the young debutants.
“Being selected for a district team is a huge responsibility. Out of hundreds, you’re picked. So be disciplined on and off the field,” he advised.
“Train yourself before you train with the team. Morning trainings set the tone for the day.”
Today, Maika Kasami wears a different hat. He is the editor of City Star, a monthly community newspaper in Lautoka that he co-founded in 2010.
“We’re marking 15 years this May,” he proudly shared.
“It’s been a long journey.”
Balancing journalism and football might seem unusual to many, but for Kasami, it’s a lifelong dance one he continues to master even today.
“There’s still a challenge,” he admitted.
“I’m a former Nadi player, now reporting from Lautoka. But I’ve been there, done that. I always manage to juggle it.”
