Naiduki: All For Northland
Simione Naiduki is flattered to be among the nominees for the Best Administrator of 2016 in the Fiji Rugby Union Awards Night at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay Hotel tonight.
The other nominees are Nadroga Rugby president Jikoibau Matawalu and Timoci Rabuli of Vatukoula.
The Northland Rugby chairman has been involved with his provincial side for 13 years since it was established 2003. He helped spearhead the set with president Ratu Timoci Vesikula.
It was not an easy journey for the Matacula, Namalata, Tailevu native being an administrator for the second Union in the Tailevu province.
“I was an administrator for the Northland Rugby since its establishment in 2003,”Naiduki said.
“I was part of the group that discussed the formation of a team for Tailevu North in 2002.This discussion was led by Ratu Timoci.”
The 69-year old was the first treasurer for the Union and is currently the oldest rugby administrator in Fiji.
He acknowledge Northland for having faith in him.
“Just like any other nominees, I’m honoured to be nominated. I’m happy and I want to thank Northland Rugby, Fiji Rugby and our families and friends for their support,” he said.
The father of five is anticipating another tough season this year.
“It will be a very competitive year since only eight teams are involved. And for Northland we are made to stay in the Major Union.”
He was Northland treasurer in 2002- 2005 before he was elected as chairman in 2006.
The Matacula man shared his highlight with NRU.
“We won the promotion/relegation in our first year. In 2004 we beat a star-studded Nadroga side 17-14 at Ratu Cakobau Park. Prominent names in the Stallions side were Mosese Volavola, Neumi Nanuku, Etonia Naba, Jikoibau Matawalu and Apisai Turukawa.
“Northland won its first Farebrother title in 2008 beating Tailevu 15-13 in an emphatic performance.”
Naiduki played for Suva in the 1960s-1970s and was the captain of the Queen Victoria School Old Boys team. He represented Fiji at the 1979 South Pacific Games hosted by Fiji.
Edited by Osea Bola
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