Memories of 2003 still run fresh for 41-year-old goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau, who was in goal for Fiji when we last won gold in men’s football at the Pacific Games.
Straight out of the under-20 side, Tamanisau stood tall in goal and made some brave saves in the 2-nil win over New Caledonia in the gold medal match at the then National Stadium in Suva.
Esala Masi and Manoa Masi scored the goals for the home side.
Tamanisau said the win 20 years ago came through teamwork.
“Back then the team worked together,” he said.
“Half of the team was out of U20 and the coach Tony Buesnel brought in nine of us to join the senior boys.”
Other players who featured for Fiji in that final included Seveci Rokotakala, Thomas Vulivuli, Ratu Veresa Toma, Taniela Waqa, Salesh Kumar, Lorima Dau, Peni Pononi and Malakai Kainihewe. Tamanisau said the current squad had capable players who could win gold this year.
“The current squad, with the inclusion of the two overseas-based players, if they play together as a unit, they can surely get us the glory.”
He said a win would boost the younger generation of players to take football in a new direction on the international scene.
“We need to win to end the season on a high.
“We really need that boost to close off the season. Getting gold will be a boost to start the national calendar next year on a high note.”
Fiji is in Pool C with Tahiti and Northern Marianas.
The Fiji men’s team will play the Northern Marianas on the 18 and Tahiti on the 21 of this month.
