Nazeel Buksh, the president of the Rewa Football Association, was overwhelmed with emotions after his team’s long-awaited victory, marking the end of a 15-year winless streak by defeating Ba 1-0 to claim the IDC trophy at 4R Electrical, Govind Park in Ba. Buksh’s tears of joy reflected the immense pressure he had faced over the years due to past disappointments and criticism regarding the team’s tournament performances.
In an interview following the exhilarating match, Buksh expressed his relief and joy as Rewa players celebrated their hard-earned victory. “All sorts of thoughts were going through me when we scored, and when that final whistle blew, I just couldn’t handle it and I fell down to my knees,” he shared, illustrating the weight of responsibility he felt as the leader of the association, which intensified his emotions at the climactic moments of the game.
The significance of the IDC trophy, paired with the global audience it attracted, made this victory especially meaningful for Buksh. “Winning IDC in front of such a big crowd and audience worldwide—the match was live,” he said, underscoring how this achievement not only celebrated the team but also resonated with its dedicated supporters. The final was attended by 13,118 fans, with many more watching from around the world via pay-per-view.
Throughout the match, Rewa faced an intense scenario when they were reduced to ten players, adding to the emotional rollercoaster Buksh experienced. Nevertheless, the team’s resilience prevailed, culminating in a hard-fought victory.
Following their triumph, the IDC trophy is set to tour Nausori, with celebrations planned that involve visits to local schools, creating a sense of community pride and excitement around Rewa’s success.
This remarkable win symbolizes the determination and spirit of the Rewa team and provides a hopeful outlook for their future endeavors. The victory could signify a pivotal turning point for the team and its supporters, who are now filled with renewed optimism as they anticipate upcoming competitions and further opportunities for success in the sport.