IT was an emotional homecoming for Mohammed Iqbal and Asuad Ali, who first met as high school classmates at Nadi College in the early 1980s.
The pair went on to play football for the same club in Lautoka, sharing not just the pitch but countless moments that cemented a lifelong bond.
Though the years and miles kept them apart, neither lost hope of one day seeing the other again.
This week in Lautoka, that long-awaited reunion finally happened — bringing laughter, stories, and a heartfelt trip down memory lane as they relived the golden days of their youth.
“We lived up in the backcountry Nasau and Mulo Mulo — travelled by bus to Nadi College, shared the pitch, and even worked in the same office,” Iqbal recalled.
“It’s been 41 years… a long time coming.”
Life After School
After high school, Ali worked as a reporter for Radio Fiji between 1983-1985, while Iqbal managed Procera Music Shop at the Nadi Town Council arcade.
Ali often turned Iqbal’s shop into his makeshift newsroom, filing stories for nearly two years.
“Those were the good old days — no smartphones and computers. It was the collect-call era,” Ali said with a smile.
“A notepad and a typewriter — and most times, I’d read my story over the phone to the desk editor. That’s how news got transmitted.”
Iqbal remembers those days as majestic.
“We were in a world of our own. Brotherhood and respect meant everything. We didn’t earn much, but we always looked out for each other,” he said.
Life Takes Its Course
After several years at Procera Music, Iqbal joined the Fiji Police Force, relocating to Suva. His career as a peace officer would later take him overseas, including to the Middle East, to serve and protect.
The two eventually lost contact. Ali continued his media career with various outlets before also moving abroad in 1988.
The Social Media Era
Thanks to Facebook, the friends reconnected — and they haven’t missed a day since without exchanging greetings, checking in, or catching up on family news.
“Now that we’re older — and yes, we both admit to feeling the years — there’s a lot of catching up to do,” Iqbal said, with Ali nodding in agreement.
“Friends don’t come any better. We’ve both had our health challenges, but that’s just age. What better time to meet up and relive the good times?” Ali added.
