BA and Fiji football greats Inia Bola and Semi Tabaiwalu say the passing of their teammate, Julie Sami, has left them deeply saddened.
“I couldn’t believe Julie’s passing,” said Bola, fondly known in football circles as the Golden Header.
Julie was an integral part of the Ba football team between 1978 and 1980, an era remembered for its fierce competition, unity, and unforgettable camaraderie.
“Julie was a simple, passionate player who gave everything on the field,” Bola recalled. “He played with great enthusiasm and heart.”
Bola said he shared many memorable years with Julie, but the highlight was winning the 1980 Inter-District Championship (IDC) final — a 1–0 victory over Nadi at Govind Park.
“Julie marshalled the midfield alongside Meli Vuilabasa — always quick on his feet and reading the game superbly,” Bola said. “Playing for Ba in the 1980s was special; we had some of the best players around.”
He fondly remembered how their goalkeeper, Bale Raniga, affectionately nicknamed Julie ‘Shadow.’
“Julie took it in stride and laughed it off — that was who he was: a jovial and humble human being,” Bola said.
Bola added that football ran deep in the Sami family.
Julie’s father, Meera Sami, and sons Vimal, Narend, Sunil, and Kamal also proudly represented Ba.
“The Samis have not only contributed immensely to the development of football, but also helped the district win championships. Their contribution cannot go unnoticed,” Bola said.
Former Ba and Fiji midfielder Semi Tabaiwalu, who played alongside Julie during the same period, 1978 and 1980, remembered him for his intelligent play and discipline.
“Julie came in 1978 and played midfield alongside Vimlesh Singh and Bobby Shahadat,” said Tabaiwalu.
“It’s sad day for Ba football family.”
He said news of Julie’s passing came on the eve of the IDC, the first in about nine years to be hosted in Ba adding that “Ba needs to play for the departed.”
“Julie was a true son of Ba football. For a player of his build, he was a brave heart, smart with the ball and quick on his heels,” Tabaiwalu said.
He added that players like Julie were a rare breed, coming only once in a while.
“Gone but never forgotten — rest high, brother.”
