Published in The Fiji Times on Monday, August 9, 2004
It took Rewa 66 years to win at home after the Delta Tigers beat Nadi 2-0 in the final of the Battle of the Giants soccer tournament at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori yesterday.
And the Nacap Hire-sponsored Tigers will celebrate its success at the Punjas-sponsored tournament with residents at the Old People and Saint Christopher homes.
The Tigers last won the Inter District Championship on home soil in 1938. Though Rewa took out the 1994 BOG crown after winning by default over Ba at Ratu Cakobau Park, this was its first win in matchplay.
Goals to strikers Sakeo Valevou and Waisake Sabutu were enough for yesterday’s win.
Rewa soccer boss Faiyaz Ali said they would celebrate their success with the less fortunate.
“This we think is the best way to do it and we will celebrate it with the various charitable organisations,” Ali said.
The 22-member Rewa squad will receive just over $400 each for their efforts yesterday after walking with the $10,000 prizemoney.
“The entire prizemoney ($9000 after $1000 tax) will be shared among the players with the other donations we are going to get,” Ali said.
More than 10,000 fans turned up to witness the final, which was a huge turnaround from the mere 3000 spectators who watched the pool games at Govind Park in Ba last weekend.
