The community of Labasa came together last month to honor the legacy of David Simon Simmons, a notable former national soccer player and silver medalist at the 1963 Pacific Games, during a solemn funeral service.
David was remembered fondly by his two surviving sisters, Sylvia and Emilie, along with close family and friends, as they marked the end of an era for a man whose influence reached far beyond his hometown where he developed his soccer talents and contributed to various local sports.
Today, younger generations of Fijians may not be familiar with David’s name, but among those who followed soccer in the 1960s and 70s, his legacy remains cherished. As a reporter related to David, I discovered much about his profound impact on the diverse cultures in Fiji during a transformative time.
Jope Balawanilotu, David’s brother-in-law and a former sports journalist, reflected on the racial divisions in Fiji’s sports scene at that time. He described how leagues were segregated, like the Suva European Rugby Union, which permitted only part-Europeans and Europeans, and the Fiji Indian Football Association (FIFA), open only to Asians. Despite being a talented soccer player, David faced barriers due to his mixed heritage, registering under the surname “Zoing” to play club soccer.
His talent caught the attention of Fiji’s selectors, but constitutional issues with FIFA hindered his path to the national team. This situation prompted a significant change, leading to the establishment of a more inclusive Fiji Football Association, fostering a multicultural environment in soccer and other sports across the nation.
Jope recounted an unforgettable moment in the gold medal final of the Pacific Games in 1963, where Fiji faced New Caledonia. Although Fiji lost 9-2, David’s impactful performance left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it.
While I couldn’t independently verify the specifics of the Fiji Football Association’s founding, records indicate it was created as a multiracial body in 1961, leading to Fiji’s participation in the first South Pacific Games in Suva in 1963.
With the doors open for all races, clubs like Ba gained tremendous benefits, tapping into the support of the Fijian community. Similarly, Suva’s diverse population provided ample opportunities for players from various backgrounds to join the football competitions.
Ronald Chaudhary, a soccer enthusiast, shared how many saw David as akin to Maradona, renowned for his extraordinary dribbling skills. He was a crowd-pleaser, captivating fans with his left-footed finesse.
Sylvester Joseph, a former player, reminisced about watching David play and the profound impact he had on him. He cherished memories of playing alongside David during the 1970 Independent Cup finals, honoring his legacy as a powerhouse in the sport.
David was not just a soccer player; he excelled in various sports, including rugby, boxing, hockey, table tennis, and golf, making him a truly rare athlete admired by many.
His nephew, Brian Simmons, fondly recalled their time together, emphasizing how David would pick him up after school to participate in soccer competitions and share his skills, creating lasting memories of joy and teamwork.
As time progressed, David transitioned to less physically demanding sports, eventually moving to Australia in 1973 to pursue golf while maintaining a deep connection to his family, frequently returning to Labasa to visit his mother.
Emilie remembered David as a protective brother, sharing how their relationship evolved over the years. After he began showing signs of dementia, she dedicated herself to his care for a decade, chronicling the ups and downs of this challenging journey.
David Simmons passed away peacefully at Blacktown Hospital in Sydney, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 83. He leaves behind a rich legacy that will be remembered by many for generations to come.