A familiar figure, whose unique laughter can instantly lighten one’s mood, became quite popular during the 2025 Extra Battle of the Giants in Labasa.
Mohammed Izaz of Bocalevu proved to be one of the highlights of the tournament after his commentary trended on social media and his laughter, contagious at Subrail Park.
During the BOG tournament, one would determine that he was at the venue with the sound of his laugh which guaranteed would grab attention and turn heads.
Unique as he was, people and the media were keen to take photos and videos of Izaz whose famous line was “… 88 minutes, 99 seconds …” while delivering his own commentary of a Labasa game.
Izaz is an ardent fan of Labasa football and considers himself as an ambassador of the team.
But who is Izaz outside of the realm of football?
Background
His personal life, like his commitment to football, is built on a foundation of care and responsibility.
Mohammed Izaz, 40, is from Bocalevu in Labasa.
Izaz looks after his son, a 19-year-old who is currently a student at Fiji National University (FNU).
His daughter, a Year-13 student, lives with her mother.
Izaz also cares for his mother, a role he took on after his father’s passing.
As heavy as this load is considering today’s economy, he carries them with a sense of quiet grace.
When asked about his life’s challenges, Izaz refused to dwell on hardships and struggle.
“My life is not hard, it’s very nice because people everywhere, even in overseas, they like me. Everyone is my friend,” he said.
Everyday hustle
At 40-years-old, Izaz’s life is a tapestry woven with threads of work, family, and football.
His days are spent on the move as he is a mobile vegetable vendor, buying fresh produce and then traversing the streets of Labasa to sell them.
This simple yet honest work is the foundation of his life.
Dedication to the Labasa football team
One may consider Izaz’s dedication to the Labasa football team as a casual interest, but it is deeper than that.
For him, it is a commitment that has shaped a significant portion of his adult life.
He estimated he’s been a loyal supporter for at least 10 years.
“I have never missed a Labasa game here at Subrail Park since I was 30 years old,” he stated.
Izaz’s support is not confined to the comfort of his home ground. Two years ago, his devotion took him on a journey that signified the depth of his commitment. He travelled to Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, to cheer on the Babasiga Lions in a national league game against Nadroga.
Battle of the Giants
At the recently concluded 2025 Battle of the Giants, Izaz thrived as his two worlds- business and football, collided in a spectacular way.
His laughter added to an already upbeat atmosphere.
During the BOG, one could spot Izaz with his custom red hat and a Labasa football jersey, carrying a black plastic bag, containing beans and peanuts which he was selling at the ground while enjoying top local football action.
His business tactic was simple yet effective.
“I bought them from the market for 50 cents, and I double the price here,” he said.
He made a decent profit, with daily earnings of around $40.
What truly made his business a success was the experience and interaction he had with patrons.
“The people they want to hear my laugh, to do commentary so they buy $10 to $20 of what I’m selling,” he said.
Izaz provided a running commentary, coupled with his infectious laugh, turned a simple transaction into a moment of entertainment.
As a reporter covering the BOG and observing the behaviour and camaraderie of fans, Izaz was an embodiment of what one would describe as the soul of the Labasa fan base.
That is, Izaz was passionate, lively and full of heart.
His unwavering support and infectious spirit fuelled the Labasa team in their 2-1 victory over Rewa in the final two weeks ago, winning the BOG title after a lapse of 26 years.
It also brought the community together as fans would erupt into cheers as soon as he laughed, often during unexpected times.
So, the next time you travel to Labasa for a football game or tournament, keep an eye out for the man with a red hat and a Labasa football jersey.
If it’s hard to spot him in the crowd, surely, his ‘cartoon’ laugh is loud enough to garner the attention of everyone at the game venue.
Mohammed Izaz (right) with a relative at Subrail Park in Labasa after the final of the Battle of the Giants on Sunday, August 10, 2025. Picture: KATA KOLI