The Ba football fraternity is mourning the death of former goalkeeper Afroz Nabi who passed away on Sunday.

Ba manager Arvind Singh said yesterday that Nabi played a key role in Ba’s victory in the past and they were shocked with the news of his passing away.

“He will be missed,” he said.

“Nabi played a heroic game for Ba during his playing days.”

Ba players and officials also attended Nabi’s funeral yesterday. Nabi also played for the national team and won the gold medal at the 2003 South Pacific Games.

“We are dedicating our game against Nadi in the Premier League to Nabi,” Singh added.

FIJI FOOTBALL

Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel, its board members and the whole football family is saddened to learn the passing away of former national goalkeeper Nabi.

Nabi represented Ba, Nadroga and Suva in his playing days. The 35-year-old also represented the Fiji Olympians and the national squad in the early 2000s. The highlight of his career was winning the gold medal with the national team at the South Pacific Games in Suva in 2003.

Fiji FA chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf acknowledged  Nabi’s contribution on the football field.

“It’s a huge loss. He was a great goalkeeper of his time and contributed immensely whenever he was given an opportunity to do so. “A great leader and a good football player. He will surely be missed by those who knew him.”

Yusuf said his thoughts and prayers go out to the family in this difficult time.

“To lose a family member is never easy, and to lose someone with their whole life ahead of them is devastating.

“As a father myself I can only imagine what Nabi’s family are going through. I truly hope our prayers can provide a little comfort for them during this time.”

He was laid to rest at the Maururu Muslim Cemetery in Ba.

Edited: Leone Cabenatabua

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