THE Fiji football fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its legends, Kini Mocelutu, who passed away earlier this week.
Mocelutu, the elder brother of Inia Bola and Ravuama Madigi, represented Ba from the 1960s to 1980. The retired Fiji Sugar Corporation employee was known as a versatile player who could feature in any position from sweeper to striker. He was part of the Ba team that made history by winning the Inter-District Championship title for six years in a row from 1975 to 1980.
Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said Mocelutu had football in his heart.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family who will have to go through this difficult phase,” Yusuf said.
“Kini immensely contributed towards the development of football in Fiji and leaves behind a legacy which many of us would only dream of fulfilling.
“He was a quiet, disciplined, hardworking and completely honest in his commitment to the game. Kini was one of the finest wingers in the late 1960s and 70s.
“He served Ba and Fiji well, go home to where God himself will be happy to have you in his team of great defenders of the faith and rest your weary body from the toils of your life’s illustrious career,” Yusuf added.
As provincial champions of Fiji football, Ba toured New Zealand in 1977. Ba played the New Zealand national side in a historic clash at the Newmarket Park in Auckland on February 28, 1977. Mocelutu was part of the starting XI which had players such as Bale Raniga, Mitieli Turaganikeli, Jone Nakosia, Semi Tabaiwalu, Bobby Sahadat, Waisea Naicovu, Vimlesh Singh, Farouk Janeman and Bola. Ba lost the match 5-2.
Mocelutu was laid to rest yesterday.
