FOR Mohammed Izaz, Labasa pride isn’t something he switches on for match day, it’s who he is.
And now, that pride has crossed borders.
Through a friend’s sponsorship, the man who earns his living selling confectioneries on the streets of Labasa is living a dream many fans only whisper about.
He has travelled outside Fiji not for business, but for football to cheer on his beloved Babasiga Lions and now on foreign soil.
“It is my first trip to New Zealand and I’m enjoying it,” he says with the same warm laugh fans know so well.
“My team lost but God willing we will do good in the next few games.”
In New Zealand, Izaz has become more than just a supporter in the stands.
He is a walking burst of Labasa energy, the laughs, the one-liners, the cheeky “88 minutes, 99 seconds!” call that rings out wherever he stands.
Players notice him. Fans gravitate toward him.
Even rival supporters can’t help but smile when they hear his voice.
He has become one of the Pacific Cup’s unexpected stars, a reminder that football isn’t carried only by boots on the field, but by hearts in the crowd.
For Izaz, this journey isn’t about sightseeing or taking a break from routine.
It’s about representing Labasa, showing up for the team that shaped his identity, and proving that passion doesn’t need wealth or status, only love.
And as he waves the red colours in the chilly New Zealand breeze, one thing is clear, Izaz draws fans.
And wherever he goes, Labasa’s spirit goes with him.
