Nadi duo inducted into Fiji FA Legends Club

Fiji Sports

New Fiji Football Legends Club inductees. FFANADI football legends Rusiate Waqa and Kini Tubi were in a company of five former national footballers who were inducted into Fiji Football Legends Club.

The duo were an integral part of Nadi’s fearsome 1970-1980s team, which won the National Football League in 1979, a quadruple between 80-83,and 85, the inaugural Battle of the Giant in 1978 and the Tip Top Ice Cream championship in 1980.

Rewa duo, Vula Wate and Vilitate Lee and Suva’s Jone Ratu were the other inductees.

Waqa, with his blistering pace scored spectacular goals that won matches, and championship for Nadi and the national team.

Fiji Football Association called him out as one of the fastest strikers the country had ever produced.

Waqa, while speaking to Sportsone, said it was an honor to be inducted into Fiji Football Legends Club.

“Feels great to be recognized”, said the former prolific striker.

Waqa broke into the district team in 1976 and made the national football team in 1978, having represented the country for 11 years.

When asked about his best goal scored for Nadi, he said there were countless but one that stands out is the inaugural 1978 Battle of the Giants championship winner against Ba at Govind Park.

“I intercepted Jone Nakosia’s back pass to Bale Raniga, Ba goalkeeper and the rest is history”.

For the national team, he said the goal against Newcastle United at the Prince Charles Park was a clinical finish.

“I scored one, Kelemedi “Cheetah” Vosuga and Sam Work got the other two."

Waqa also represented Lautoka during the 1988-1989 season, capping his career with the 1988’ league title to his name.

Tubi, with his gigantic physique and ruggedness, was a thorn of a defender during his tenure with Nadi and the national team.

He started his career with Nadroga in 1976, where he played 2 seasons before making Nadi his home.

Tubi, represented the national team for 5 years, between 1978-1982.

He was a part of all conquering Nadroga team that won the back-to-back, 1988-1989 IDC and the 1990, National Football League.

“Time well spend in football, I’m proud of the induction in the Fiji Football Legends Club.”