Former football stars dance to Rewa's tune

Fiji Sports

Former Fijian football stars, Inia Bola and Henry DyerFORMER footballers Inia Bola and Henry Dyer may have turned grey with receding hair and wrinkles but have moves to show for.

Far shy from football days, the legends danced to the tune of an Inner Circle number, Sweat, and kicked up the party atmosphere during the Rewa Football Legends Club fundraiser.

The ‘push it, push it some more’  note had the district footballing foes, yet ex-national teammates break good sweat together in a rare first.

“Inia held his position, Dyer moved,” said Tony Kabakoro, the 80s star.

“The two scored big, as cheers inundated the hall.”

The night saw some of the sports cream of the crop of  the 70s-80, mingling for what was a night like no other.

Among them, Zikar Ali, the 1963, South Pacific Games sensation and star, Ba and Nadi footballer.

The national team’s alderman was every footballer, coaches and fans charm during his playing days.

Tony said it was an absolute honour to meet the 86-year old living legend.

“A lot of us heard about Ali, how great he was, but being in the same space as him was an opportunity of a lifetime.”

And with Abdul Mannan, Henry Dyer, Stan Morrel, Rusiate Waqan, Kini Tubi, Semi Tabaiwalu, Jone Ratu, Tony Kabakoro, Mohammed Salim, Gordon Leewai, Faruk Sahib and Savenaca Waqa, who couldn’t make it to the get together, was a sample of the great footballers who were in audience.

Late Josaia Tubuna and Gopal Krishna and Vancouver’s Ivor Evans received special mention as some of the country’s best midfielders personified.

The assertion raised the rafters of Fiji FA hall for the very first time.

Kelemedi Vosuga Cheetah, Wally Mausio, Upendran Choy and Epeli Kosa would certainly have scored big in the eyes of footballing know-hows, who wait for their moment in time.

The  aforementioned and those that represented the country in the later part of the 80s were the game.

The sport hasn’t come close to witnessing the astute and artistry of the footballers in modern day football.

“It was good to meet former teammates, who were the stars and household names of the 70-80s”.

“It has been more than 40-years since most of the players I played with or against were under one roof.

“Good times, memories made,” Tony said.

He praised the Rewa Football Legends Club for being a superb host.

The former national team players were given a gold pass for all FFA sanctioned events, including the use of its academy facilities in Suva and Ba.

“We may have a potbelly, grey hair and spot wrinkles but our love for the sport will always remain.”