THE Pacific Cup has attracted diehard fans since the inaugural tournament in 2012, young and old, men and women alike.
But few have lit up the event quite like Mohammed Izaz, who turned himself into an instant legend.
The diehard Labasa fan, who earns his living selling confectioneries on the streets, rose to fame through his now-iconic “88 minutes 99 seconds” skit commentary.
Izaz’s love for football and for Labasa is no secret. And while he is a familiar face in Fiji, one staunch district supporter, now based in New Zealand decided to make his dream of seeing the Pacific Cup a reality.
Affif Shah, an admirer of Izaz, said he was moved by the fact that such a passionate Labasa supporter could not attend the Inter District Championship in Ba in October. So he took it upon himself to bring Izaz to New Zealand for the Pacific Cup covering every expense.
“I got inspired by his unerring support for his district, and when I spoke to him, I found him to be very humble. I promised him that come the Pacific Cup, I would bring him to New Zealand,” Shah said.
Shah added that Izaz not only brought joy to the tournament but to everyone he met, thanks to his beloved “88 minutes 99 seconds” snippet.
Throughout the competition, Izaz mingled with fans, posed for photos, and spread laughter with the contagious cheer that has become his signature.
Until Shah intervened, Izaz had never left Fiji, let alone imagined a trip to Auckland.
“I wouldn’t be in New Zealand, let alone get out of Fiji, if it wasn’t for Bhaiya Affif Shah. I can’t thank him enough,” Izaz said, beaming with gratitude.
And while he never stepped onto the field as a player, his presence at the Pacific Cup drew admiration. NZFFI U16 All Stars coach Shoaib Hussein even handed him his team’s second-place silver medal, a gesture of respect for a fellow Labasa man.
For the man whose voice has made thousands smile, this Pacific Cup was more than a tournament, it became the journey of a lifetime.
