Football stars step off field to help friend rebuild after fire

Labasa Football Association players rallied around a friend after fire destroyed his flat, showing unity beyond the football field.

Alfred Raj, whose flat was destroyed in a fire in Labasa early Tuesday morning, thanked players from the Labasa Football Association who helped with the clean-up.

Mr Raj was deeply grateful and said he was beyond words in thanking his friends who came to his flat to show what true friendship is all about.

The players who assisted were Simione Ragoneturaga, Akemi Ralulu, Sekovo Naivakananumi, Aporosa Yada and Melvin Mani.

The 27-seven-year-old Akemi Ralulu, who is originally from Bua, said they stepped in to support their friend in his time of need.

“Our friend was in need and we all came here to help him,” Mr Ralulu said.

Mr Ralulu said It is now our time to pay him back and we are grateful to be able to help.

“This shows the unity among us and the faith we have in each other,” he said.

He said our team is more like a family and that is why we are all here together.

Labasa football team coach Alvin Chand said he was aware that the players had gone to assist a player from another district who regularly trains with them.

Mr Chand said his flat caught fire and all his belongings were destroyed. The boys quickly united and helped him in whichever way they could before joining hands to clean up the flat.

"This act reflects our team motto this year, ‘Unity is our strength’ and it is also one way of giving credit to our fans for always standing behind our team," he said.