THERE are goalkeepers and there is Simione Tamanisau.
The age-defying Labasa net-minder who plays with confidence and contributes to football as a winner.
At age 43, Tamanisau is like an old wine, who only gets better by the game.
His agility and coordination were all the more on display against Rewa in the Fiji FACT final at the HFC stadium in Suva.
The Labasa captain kept the team in the game during the 120 minutes, the best of saves was a knuckle on an Epeli Valevou spot kick in the 3-1 penalty shoot-out win, after both teams were tied 1-1 at full time.
Rare breed
Tamanisau comes from the era of ‘wise head’ goalkeepers who loves the sport.
He has a pair of safe hands, understands the role and has the confidence to make for an incredible net-minder.
Tamanisau has been a cover for Rewa for a good part of his career but places loyalty first to the team he represents.
Mental toughness
Much of the hard work revolves around getting the mental side of the game and at his age, he does it with ease.
More than reflexes
Being a good stopper requires more than just good reflexes, it is being able to comfortably read the game.
With the best view of the game on the pitch, Tamanisau has much more wisdom and command at hand to organize his defence.
It is a trait that is crucial positional sense which also gets better with age.
Tamanisau’s double gongs in the tournament include winning the Golden Glove in the super premier division and the Golden Boot in the Veterans O40s.
