Fiji’s first semi-professional footballer, former Ba and national captain Esala Masi has called for attitude change from local-based players if they want a professional football career.
The former A-League player who now lives in Australia, made the call on the eve of the Digicel Fiji FACT final at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka today.
He urges young footballers to be dedicated to the sport with a lot of discipline if they are to pursue a professional career overseas.
“Players need to respect football if they want to earn a professional contract,” Masi said.
He is in the country representing the Brisbane Bula Boys at the 2022 RC Manubhai/Apco Coating International Veterans Championship at Lawaqa Park.
The 48-year-old played for semi-professional club Wollongong Wolves, helping them win the 1999-2000 Australian National Soccer League title.
He made 77 appearances for the Wolves before signing a full professional contract with Newcastle United, making 96 appearances.
“I still play age group football in the over 45 years category in Brisbane,” Masi said.
“It is very important to keep healthy because once you leave football for long, then you can develop a lethargic body. It is good to keep playing to be healthy.”
Masi represented Fiji from 1997 to 2005, winning two Melanesian Cup titles and guided the national side to the 2003 South Pacific Games gold medal victory against New Caledonia in Suva.
He won the golden boot award during the games scoring 11 goals.
The veterans tournament final will serve as the curtain-raiser to the Digicel Fiji FACT final today.
