Rewa Football’s promising young midfielder, Delon Shankar, has been suspended for one match and fined $300 by the Fiji Football Association’s disciplinary committee due to his actions during the Secondary School’s Inter District Championship (IDC). As a result of this penalty, Shankar will miss the IDC opening match against Nadroga scheduled for tomorrow in Ba.
At only 18 years of age, Shankar previously captained Vunimono High School during the School’s IDC in August. His behavior on and off the field attracted public scrutiny, leading to his referral to the Fiji FA’s disciplinary committee for evaluation. The hearing came just before the IDC began, following Shankar’s return from Australia, where he attended trials with the prestigious A-League club, Sydney FC, in September.
In addition to Shankar’s suspension, Rewa FC will be without two experienced players, Madhwan Goundar and Iosefo Verevou, for this crucial match. Goundar is sidelined due to an injury incurred during the Police IDC last month, while Verevou joined the squad late and did not meet the fitness criteria established by the team.
The IDC tournament begins tomorrow at Govind Park, Ba, and fans can follow the action through live commentary provided by Radio Fiji Two.
This turn of events highlights the challenges young athletes face in maintaining discipline while navigating their burgeoning careers in sports. Shankar’s situation reflects a broader theme within sports that emphasizes personal accountability, suggesting a potential for growth beyond immediate setbacks. As the IDC unfolds, there remains hope that both Shankar and Rewa FC can learn from their experiences and strive for improvement moving forward.