Sports administrators play vital roles in ensuring those they manage reach daring heights.
Just this week, Nadroga soccer president Vijay Sigh, who was a rugged soccer defender during his days, was relieved from his post.
In his place Tiko Matawalu, the brother of former national 15s skipper Akapusi Qera and perhaps the most successful administrator associated with local rugby, was appointed.
I must thank Mr Matawalu for accepting the request with the assumption that a genuine effort will be made by the entire stakeholders associated with Nadroga soccer, including the clubs, sponsors and players.
Nadroga soccer has a history of developing players. Look at the number of young Nadroga players that have been lured to play for districts such as Nadi, Suva, Rewa and Lautoka.
Trust me, if these players had not left their district, Nadroga would be a force to reckon with. Gone are the days when Nadroga dominated local soccer. Isa, I miss the glorious days of the Naitasiwai, Watkins and Work brothers, ginger-haired Tulalevu, Vinod Kumar, Jese Morgan, Atulesh and Nitesh Prasad, Rohitendra Sharma, Anirudh Singh, Bineshwar, Ramend Dutt, Kini Tubi, Nawalu, Apenisa Qereqeretabua, Orisi Vunisa and Vijay Singh.
I remember these players played for district pride. When the Stallions entered the field, soccer balls were kicked all over the ground and the players displayed entertaining, hard and exciting soccer.
Unfortunately today, Nadroga is in the doldrums and rooted to the bottom of the league competition. It saddens me to think that a team which was winning trophies is struggling to survive in the top flight.
Assistance should be sought from successful presidents such as Lalit Singh to take Nadroga soccer back to those good old days when they dominated tournaments and soccer competitions.
Until then, I wish Mr Matawalu all the best in his endeavours to take Nadroga soccer back to the days of success!
