A HOST of former footballers led the tributes to Nakul Reddy following his death at the age of 66.
Reddy played for Ba team in the 1982 Inter District Championship at Nadi’s Prince Charles Park.
‘Gigi’ as he was known, is best remembered for his game winning goal against Nadi for the district’s opening game.
Reddy pounced on Savenaca Waqa’s goalkeeping gaffe to score the goal.
Waqa had made the initial save but the shot deflected, Reddy’s quick feet turned in the spectacular game winner.
Reddy won the very IDC against Nadi in a no contest at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.
Ba football legend Semi Tabaiwalu remembers Reddy, who broke into the team during one of the league games, and added that he was impressive.
“One had to be good to make the Ba team of the 80s, Gigi’ was good, very sensible and fitted in the team like a seasoned footballer,” said Semi.
“You don’t get to see a quality footballer like him.
“I’m saddened with the news of his passing.”
Semi said head coach Sashi Mahendra Singh saw the footballer Nakul was, that he played him duel forward with Inia Bola in the 82’ IDC.
He said during the final against the same, Reddy told him to take out Nadi defender Peter Dean, who he found it hard to get by.
“Peter’s height and his ruggedness is a problem, he’s on me, take him out,” Semi recalled with a chuckle.
Dean, the former district and national team defender, said he had played aggressively to avert Reddy from scoring as he did in his team’s 1-0 loss on Day 1 of the 1982 IDC before home fans at Prince Charles Park.
“A simple but good finisher, who had sharp ball to eye coordination got Nadi beat.
“He was a wonderful player.”
The two met through Shiva Naicker, a former Nadi representative living in the US, a visit that had them strike a good conversation about football and life.
John Nath took the Nadi Football Legends Facebook page to express his sadness.
The former Nadi district footballer writes, ‘our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family.
“Rest in Peace champ. Om Shanti Shanti.”
Inia Bola rated Reddy as a fine finisher, feisty and had ruthless moves.
“Isa, Nakul, our teammate, on the 82 IDC team, he also played in the league games up until he decided to move back to the USA,” said Inia.
Reddy had a successful amateur football career in the USA, making a name for himself.
He played alongside former Fijian footballers, who remember him for his prowess and contributions to the sport.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
