Nadi Mourns Former Striker

The Nadi football fraternity is mourning the loss of former striker Nemani Lumuni.

He was nicknamed John Barnes, after the former England and Liverpool forward.

He was 58 when he passed away at this home on Friday after a long illness since January.

Former national and Nadi defender Peter Dean who played with Lumuni vividly remembers his teammate during their playing days.

“There used to be a football player who played English Premier League by the name John Barnes, who also played for England as well up front. So Nemani used to imitate him because of his high jumping and ball heading skills,” he said.

“Nemani could also do that while playing for his Young Ones Football Club in Nadi. I remember him scoring two goals against Navua during a national league game sometimes ago.”

Lumuni was brought up at Vatukoula where his dad worked at the Vatukoula Gold Mine. He featured for the Vatukoula district team from 1983-84..

He then moved to play for Nadi from 1985 – 1989 where he featured for Young Ones FC which was made by those who worked in Nadi town in various professions.

Lumuni were among some players from Sabeto that played for Nadi including Tela Qoro, Anare Wakawaka and Jo Saukuru.

He was an employee of Sunset Buses.

He is survived by his wife Maopa, with four children and five grandchildren.

The funeral is scheduled for Thursday at Sabeto.

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