Rewa Football Association president Nazeel Buksh was overwhelmed with emotion after his team’s long-awaited victory, breaking a 15-year winless streak by beating Ba 1-0 to claim the IDC trophy at 4R Electrical, Govind Park in Ba. Buksh’s tears of joy marked a significant moment as he reflected on the pressure he faced throughout the years due to prior disappointments and criticism regarding tournament performances.
In an interview following the match, Buksh shared his feelings of relief and ecstasy as Rewa players rushed to celebrate their 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,” Buksh recounted, highlighting the immense personal pressure he felt as the leader of the association. He took full responsibility for the team’s performance, which amplified his emotions during the final moments of the match.
The prestige surrounding the IDC trophy and the visibility it afforded made the victory particularly significant for Buksh. “Winning IDC in front of such a big crowd and audience worldwide—the match was live,” he emphasized, pointing out the importance of this achievement not only for the team but also for its supporters. The final was witnessed by 13,118 fans in attendance, alongside many more who tuned in via pay-per-view globally.
As the match progressed, Rewa faced a tense situation when they were reduced to ten players, creating an emotional rollercoaster for Buksh. Despite the challenges, the team’s resilience shone through, culminating in a hard-fought victory.
The IDC trophy is set to tour Nausori, with plans underway for celebrations that include visits to local schools, fostering community pride and excitement in Rewa’s success.
The win exemplifies the determination and spirit of the Rewa team, providing hope and optimism for their future endeavors as they continue to build on this victory and develop their potential in the sport. This triumph may mark a pivotal turning point for both the team and its supporters, who are now buoyed by a renewed sense of possibility as they look forward to upcoming competitions.