The Fijian football community is grieving the loss of Emmanuel Manu, a significant figure in the history of local football. Manu had a lengthy coaching career that included leadership roles at multiple clubs and national teams, most notably at Nadroga, where he guided the team to several championships in the late 1980s.
Under his guidance, Nadroga FC achieved remarkable success, securing all major titles in 1989, which included victories in the National League, Battle of the Giants, and the Inter District Championship. Additionally, he led the Fiji U23 team during the Olympic Qualifiers.
Manu’s impact extended beyond club football as he served as both the National Team Manager and Assistant Coach. His work alongside the late Billy Singh and Team Director Chandar Dip Sharma was highly respected. He played a crucial role in nurturing numerous football talents in Fiji, including Radike Nawalu, Ramendra Datt, Anirudh Singh, Abraham Watkins, and Jack Work.