MISA IDC targets 12 football teams

The Manautul Islam Sports Association (MISA) is targeting a full 12-team field, including overseas teams from Australia and New Zealand, as the championship returns to full strength after last year’s setback.

MISA president Rukshan Hasmat said teams from Australia and New Zealand are expected to join local sides in the MISA Inter-District Championship, scheduled for November 7–9 at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

“Last year teams played for the A.R. Manu Trophy while this year they will play for the Marhoom S.M. Koya Trophy,” he said.

“The target is 12 teams, including those from Australia and New Zealand.

“We will also have an Under-17 competition for madrasa student teams from Fiji and overseas.”

He said the organising committee had already begun preparations to ensure the event runs smoothly.

“The working committee has started preparations and is putting logistics in place for the tournament.”

Hasmat said last year’s competition was affected by the passing of one of the association’s stalwarts, Abdul Kadar, former Lautoka Football Association president and former MISA president.

“Last year we had a setback because, two weeks before the tournament, one of our stalwarts, Abdul Kadar, passed away, so the number of teams was reduced,” he said.

“This time around, we expect the tournament to be at full strength.”

MISA secretary Mohammed Alfraz said the championship was more than just a football tournament.

“This tournament is a grand reunion for the MISA family and friends, both those living in Fiji and those based overseas,” he said.

The MISA committee also had a fruitful dialogue with Lautoka City Council Head of Services Shalend Singh and Administration and Fleet Officer Patrick Kamea.