WHILE athletes welcomed the New Year with joy and celebration, a dispute over Pacific Cup prize money plunged Rewa football into controversy, drawing players, officials and supporters into a heated public debate.
The issue erupted after Rewa player Bruce Hughes raised concerns on the club’s official Facebook page about unpaid prize money from the Pacific Cup tournament held in November.
Hughes was later blocked from the page, while Rewa Football Association president Nazeel Buksh denied the allegations and dismissed the claims.
The dispute quickly escalated online, with supporters divided between backing Hughes and defending Buksh.
Tensions intensified after Buksh referred to Hughes as a “bad potato” a remark many described as repulsive and unprofessional.
What should have been a festive New Year period instead became an unwanted sideshow, casting a shadow over the reputation of district football.
Former Rewa footballers Mohammed Yusuf (Mama) and Rajesh Kumar publicly supported Hughes, praising his courage for speaking out, while many current district players remained silent.
Supporters of Buksh, however, shifted the blame to New Zealand Fiji Football Incorporated (NZFFI) and the Fiji Football Association (FFA), claiming the delay resulted from Pacific Cup prize money still being withheld.
“For the good of the game, Pacific Cup prize money should be handed over immediately after the final not months later,” Yusuf said.
“Where is the professionalism and transparency?”
Yusuf criticised both Pacific Cup organisers and the FFA, saying they had failed to respect the sacrifices made by players and teams.
“Players are the backbone of the game. They deserve respect,” he said.
“Elsewhere in the world, footballers are valued, but in Fiji a $250 weekly earning is all that matters. Unreal.”
Rajesh Kumar echoed those sentiments, placing responsibility squarely on NZFFI and the FFA for failing to release the prize money on time.
“As a former player, I fully support and admire Bruce Hughes’ courage to bring this matter forward,” Kumar said.
“The public should support him and question the integrity of all those involved.”
He added that the Pacific Cup is the only competition known for consistently delaying prize money payments.
“Support Bruce for having the courage to speak the truth. We need individuals like him to stand up for transparency and fairness.”
Hughes also alleged that Buksh used his brother, Setareki Hughes, to remove him from the club’s Facebook page.
“Nazeel Buksh you had to use my brother against me aye to remove me from the group — great, keep it up,” Hughes wrote.
Meanwhile, Bula FC footballer Thomas Dunn called for calm and urged all parties to move forward in the New Year.
“Kerekere, ka yaco na last year sa oji sa new year qo,” Dunn said.
“The asking-for-favours already happened last year, so don’t bring it into the new year again.”
