The Rewa Football Legends Club recently hosted an exhilarating cup challenge at the Fiji FA Academy in Vatuwaqa, uniting football fans for a face-off featuring former stars from Rewa, Lautoka, and Suva. This prestigious event celebrated the Vilitati Lee, George Koi, Onnie Wong, Nicolas Rounds, and Kavaia Memorial Cup, highlighting the significance of the history and talent rooted in Fijian football.
The Rewa Legends squad was bolstered by the return of former national team stars John Andrews from the USA and Ronald Chaudary from Canada. Their participation, alongside respected local players like Pita Rabo and Patrick Wise, helped the team perform exceptionally well. Demonstrating remarkable skill and teamwork, the Rewa Legends secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Suva Legends and triumphed over the Lautoka Legends with a score of 3-2, thus claiming the championship.
An emotional night of accolades followed the matches at the Fiji FA Hall, where the community came together to celebrate the spirit of football. Noteworthy recognitions were awarded, including the Oldest Player Award to Eliki Lui, a distinguished 69-year-old former midfielder, while Pita Rabo and Usaia Tadu were celebrated as the Best Players of the tournament.
Moreover, the Rewa Legends honored the late George Lui, Onnie Wong, and Vilitati Lee by providing cheques to their families, acknowledging their essential contributions to the sport in Fiji.
Abdul Mannan, President of the Rewa Football Legends Club and Vice President of Fiji FA, extended gratitude to all the teams and spectators for their steadfast support. He underscored the imperative of preserving the legacies of football heroes and the importance of reuniting former players to cherish the essence of the game.
Looking to the future, Mannan announced an upcoming match where the Rewa Legends will face the Ba Legends in a highly anticipated curtain-raiser during the FMF IDC next week. The winner of this match will earn the right to compete against the host of next year’s IDC, further igniting excitement in the local football scene.
This event nurtures a lasting passion for football and strengthens community ties to the sport, offering hope for a vibrant future where Fijian talents continue to excel on the pitch.