Excitement is at an all-time high for the much-anticipated 2025 RC Manubhai/APCO Coatings International Veterans Tournament, set to kick off on Thursday at the Fiji FA Academy grounds in Vatuwaqa.
With 16 teams participating in the competition, the official pool draws were held yesterday at the Fiji FA Headquarters, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating event.
This year, a new champion will be crowned in the over-45 category as reigning champions JK Nadi will not be returning to defend their title, creating an opportunity for a new team to make their mark in the tournament.
In Group A of the Over-45 division, My Suva Legends will face tough competition from Nasinu Legends, Rewa Masters, and Lami Legends.
Group B is equally competitive, featuring Suva Combine Masters, Nasinu Masters, Rewa Legends, and Lautoka Veterans battling it out for a chance to advance to the knockout rounds.
In the Over-40 category, defending champions Rewa Masters lead Group A, facing off against Suva Masters, Navua Masters, and newcomers Tailevu Naitasiri Masters.
Group B consists of Rewa Legends, Suva Combine Masters, Nadi Masters, and Nasinu Legends, promising intense matchups from the outset.
Fiji FA CEO Mohammed Yusuf highlighted that the tournament is more than just a sporting event, emphasising its importance in honoring former players who have contributed to the development of football in Fiji.
“This is a way to give back to former players. All proceedings from the tournament go into an account that is kept aside to support the former players and their families.”
Adding to the event, the grand finals of both the over-40 and over-45 categories will serve as curtain-raisers to the prestigious 2025 BiC Fiji FACT Grand Final at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this Sunday.
