Rusiate Waqa etched his name into the history of Fijian football by scoring the winning goal that led Nadi to victory in the inaugural Battle of the Giants tournament in 1978. His decisive strike against Ba not only secured Nadi a 1-0 win but also marked a significant moment in the competition’s history, held at Govind Park in Ba.
In a recent interview, Waqa recounted the excitement of that tournament, expressing pride in being part of the team that set the pace for future competitions. He reflected on how the strong team spirit and preparation contributed to their success, stating, “The Nadi team at that time was very good so we were able to notch more glories than this time.”
Waqa went on to help Nadi secure four titles in the Battle of the Giants across the years—1978, 1980, 1983, and 1986—as well as six National Football League titles during his career. His contributions extended beyond club football as he represented Fiji in numerous international matches, including important FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
As this year’s Battle of the Giants approaches, beginning at Subrail Park in Labasa, Waqa expressed his best wishes to all competing teams, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and unity that he witnessed during his playing days. His journey exemplifies the rich legacy of Fijian football and inspires new generations of players to pursue excellence in the sport.
The stories of Waqa and his contemporaries resonate strongly today, demonstrating how the passion for football continues to shape lives and communities in Fiji. With optimism in the air for the upcoming tournament, fans eagerly await another exciting chapter in the ongoing saga of Fijian football.
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