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NZ Nadi win, celebrate Joe's life
Fiji Sports
New Zealand Nadi Legend and Nadi Legend in a reunion picture after Joe Lutumailagi Trophy game: PDNEW Zealand Nadi Legend won the Joeli Lutumailagi Cup 2-1, against Nadi Legend but it wasn’t all about winning.
It was more about celebrating the life of the distinguished footballer, coach and mentor who passed away in 2021.
The New Zealand Nadi Legend initiative came to fruition on the weekend as the two teams played in an exhibition with the winner claiming the trophy.
“It was a fitting tribute to honour a longtime district and national team player," said Peter Dean.
Joeli Lutumailagi, affably known as Joe’ had carved a successful career spanning over a decade.
“Lutumailagi was a member of the first Nadi team that won the 1969 Inter-District Championship (IDC) in Labasa.”
He was also a successful Nadi football coach in the late 1980s when he took over from Mani Naicker.
“Joe was a terror on the field and gentlemen off it, and he personified that,” said Dean.
“Footballers of the era would agree that Lutumailagi was not just a footballer, but a man mountain for love and respect.
“And it’s the quality that has us all be a part of the event.”
An emotional Sova Lutumailagi, the wife of Joeli Lutumailagi was at the event, learnt of the footballing love her husband drew that had his friends came to celebrate his life by playing the game he loved.
Mrs. Lutumailagi said in a perfect world Joe would have joined his former teammates and friends for a game but the truth is, he is not, he is in eternal peace.
“Joe is blessed. He sure is, participation and the outpouring of love and support, says how much he was loved, thank you all, we are so blessed.”
She said she can’t thank the New Zealand Nadi Legend club for taking the initiative to host the event in collaboration with Nadi Legends.
The Joeli Lutumailagi Trophy was donated in New Zealand for the yearly event in Fiji.
A large pool of renowned former footballers were at the event and following the game they joined in a social get-together hosted by Nadi Football Legends.
