Nasinu Masters FC win NZ tournament

Nasinu Masters FC won the International Veterans Football tournament in New Zealand for the first time last month.

Club president and founder Lawrence Robert told SUNsports yesterday that the aim behind the formation of the club was to bring back former Nasinu players.

“What I did when I formed the team in 2012, I invited all ex-Nasinu and Suva reps living along the Suva and Nausori corridor to be part of the team,” he said.

“The idea was to keep the bond among the players. This is because over the years we’ve played in the same team or against each other. I’ve seen in overseas they take a lot of time and pride in organising veteran’s tournament.

“In Fiji unfortunately I won’t criticise Fiji Football but there is nothing much happening to support former players who have given so much to the country and the districts they played for.

“We’ve been to Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America. We’ve seen the people there support veteran footballers and we felt like a family, every time we visit them as they always come out to support us.

“I think this should be an eye-opener for Fiji Football to start organising something for the former players because to keep the bond. This is where we can all help to improve our current players.”

Robert said, on the other hand, it was a way for former players to stay fit and health.

“As we grow older we tend to lose our diet. Once we cross 35 we start getting sick and there is the non-communicable diseases so by training or going to the gym always keeps us fit.”

He said the club reached the semi-final of the Josaia Tubuna Cup in 2013 where the winner was NAFSA.

“The tournament was held in USA but this year we’ve won the International Veterans tournament and got $NZ 300 as our prize money.”

Robert said this was an annual event held in New Zealand and they have been participating for the past five years.

“For the overseas trips each player pay for their airfares and also we’ve done some few fundraisers like barrel nights. I also like to thank Sanjay Lal and his family in New Zealand for sponsoring us and accommodating us during our five-day stay.

“Our coach Philip Bali, Mani Narayan for managing the team, families and friends in Fiji and New Zealand for their support during the tour,” he added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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