MEMBERS of the 1983 Fiji national football team that won the South Pacific Games silver medal are planning a reunion in Fiji.
It was the country’s second SPG football medal, after the 1963 Fiji side that lost 1-0 to New Caledonia at Buckhurst Park in Suva.
The 1983 South Pacific Games team went down 1-0 to Tahiti in a tense final in Western Samoa, reports suggested a skirmish broke out after Fiji protested Tahiti’s goal.
Former team manager Paul Jaduram told Sportsone that plans for the reunion are currently underway, with communication already reaching several former players based in Fiji and overseas.
Jaduram said players in Fiji are helping reconnect former teammates as they plan towards finalising reunion arrangements.
The 1983 squad remains one of Fiji football’s most memorable teams after reaching the final unbeaten before narrowly missing out on the gold medal to Tahiti.
“After 1963, the 1983 silver medal was momentous, as competitions were fierce and we had some of the best players in the team,” said Jaduram.
“Sadly, a handful of players and officials have passed on.
“We feel it’s never too late for a get-together, and in doing so remembering those great men for their contributions to the country.”
Jaduram said the 1983 team is still dubbed the “cream of the crop” of Fiji football and continues to be remembered by footballers and fans around the world.
