Published in The Fiji Times on Tuesday, June 3, 2003
NIneteen-year-old Esala Ali scored a golden goal to rewrite soccer history at the Fiji FACT tournament yesterday.
The goal against host Rewa in the final of the Fiji Bitter-sponsored tournament gave Navua, the fledging soccer district, its first-ever tournament win since joining the Super Premier ranks in 1989.
Ali, of Calia, a settlement outside Navua town, sent a crescendo of cheers reverbarating across Ratu Cakobau Park when he headed in a corner kick in the seventh minute of the second extra spell.
“This is the proudest moment of my life. My first Fiji FACT tournament, my first goal,” Ali said.
“I knew I was coming close to scoring a goal but I did not know that that goal would be in the final.”
“This win I dedicate to our long-time serving Navua rep, Romulo Kaibau.”
The closest Navua came to winning a title was in 1995 during the Battle of the Giants in Suva.
That year, Kaibau was part of the team that fell to Suva in the final.
Ironically, Navua players donned the Suva uniform to avoid a clash of jersey colours yesterday and came out on top.
The unseeded tournament minnows, boasting 15 debutants at distrcit level, upset Ba 1-nil in the semi-final and were still not rated by pundits before the big game.
Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, who also played for the 1995 team, was a proud man at the final whistle.
“Before the semi-finals, I told the boys to first believe in themselves and go out there and play with pride,” he said.
“I told the players that if they believed in themselves they can do anything, even beating the big teams lined up against them.
“And they did exactly that, Ba and then Rewa. I am very proud of these players and I believe the whole of Namosi is as proud.”
An emotional Navua soccer president Anil Sharma said his young brigade had outdone themselves.
He said a feat as such against sides that included big names like Esala Masi, Manoa Masi, Lorima Batirerega, Emosi Baleinuku and Marika Namaqa had never been achieved by a team struggling at the bottom of the national league competition.
“We brought a young team without much backing from big business people in our district,” Sharma said.
“But with sheer hard work and the support of every player and team official, we have finally registered our first tournament win.
“I must congratulate the players and team coach Jai Kumar, who actually coached Navua into the Super Premier grade in 1989, and has yet again claimed a piece of history in Navua soccer.”
Rewa soccer coach Ramendra Dutt said his players made a big mistake underestimating Navua.
He said his players did not stick to their plan.
Navua was runner-up in Pool A to Lautoka after two draws and two wins, beat Ba in the semi-finals and collected $9000 while Rewa received $3000 for its efforts.
