Fans, officials hail fallen striker

Former Fiji and Ba football representative Tuimasi Manuca was laid to rest at the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) cemetery in Ba yesterday.

Member of Parliament (MP) Parveen Kumar said the fallen star striker has left his boots on the field but his soul in the hearts of many.

He made the remarks while delivering the eulogy at Govind Park, Ba, where town’s football fraternity gathered in big numbers to farewell one of their favourite sons.

“We gather today to farewell a proud son of Ba football Tuimasi Manuca a man who gave his time, strength and heart to the game especially to the people,” said Kumar, who was the mayor of Ba Town when the deceased was at his peak.

“For many, Ba is more than a team. It is our identity. Tuimasi did not just play for Ba he bled for Ba. Tuimasi understood that every time he stepped onto the field.

“He did not just represent Ba— he carried the hopes of its people. When he wore that jersey, he carried our people, our district, our village and the vanua of Ba.

“Those who watched him play will remember his commitment. He gave his best in every match— not for recognition or applause, but for the team beside him and the supporters behind them.

“Young and old, Indian and i-Taukei, rich and humble — they all saw themselves in him. He made every child believe they could be champions.”

Manuca represented Ba from 2004 to 2017. He was known for his discipline, composure, toughness and leadership.

During his career, he was part of the Ba football team that won the National Premier League, Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants and Inter-District Championship.

“These victories matter, but those who knew him will say his true value went beyond trophies,” Kumar said.

Manuca’s football journey began during his school days and developed further at Kamil Muslim College. He made his debut for Ba in 2005 and had stints with Hekari United in Papua New Guinea in the O-League.

He represented Fiji from 2008 to 2011, including appearances at the 2008 OFC Nations Cup and the 2011 Pacific Games.

“His pride came from the land, the vanua, and the people who raised him. He was the kind of player who showed up at training, on match day and for his teammates.

“There may be moments people remember most — a goal or a key contribution — but just as important were the quieter moments: the encouragement he gave, the example he set and the respect he earned.

“He gave meaning to what we believe in when we say ‘Ba Toh Ba Hai’.”

Off the field, Manuca was a family man, mentor, friend and community figure, known for his humility and strength.

“Look around today — every face, every age, every story. That was Tuimasi’s crowd. From the cane fields to the towns, from the village to the city— he was our hero.

“We mourn his loss, but we also honour a life that contributed meaningfully to Fijian football and to the Ba community.

“He belonged to Ba, and Ba belonged to him. He was a legend among the Men in Black. He left his boots on the field, but his soul in our hearts.

“Rest now, son of Ba. Your game is done, but your pride lives on. Moce mada.”

In March this year, Manuca was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer. He hails from Nautovatu in Cikobia, Macuata with maternal links to Dagai in Nabukelevu, Kadavu. He died on Friday, April 17, aged 40 and is survived by his wife, Vilimaina Vatu and their children.

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