Back in the late seventies and the early eighties there used to be a very competitive Levuka soccer team participating in the National Soccer League in the B Division. The team was a champion one and won many tournaments and had a huge fan following on the island.
During the local matches on Sunday afternoon Nasau Park would be filled with spectators who normally walk in as there was no fencing in the ground. And whenever there was a visiting team playing against the host during the league the residents of the township were there to witness the encounter.
Soccer was very healthy during that era and produced quality players such as brothers Salise and Jone, Bradburgs, Martin Joy, Billy Hing, Ramu Prasad and many more that I may have missed out.
Salesi and Ramu Prasad ended up being selected in the national team. The island had a lot of talents but sadly Levuka soccer is no more and has been deregistered by the Fiji Football Association (FFA) for non-compliance.
In order to promote soccer at the grassroots level I believe the FFA should initiate the revival of this game beginning in Levuka. We would love to see the Old Capital boys back in the local soccer scene.
Probably soccer should take a hint from the Ovalau Rugby Union where for survival in the premier division the organisation is seeking resources from the main land to maintain their status among the big boys and wishing the ORU all the success in the new season.
