Eswa Nadan “Ninja,” a distinguished figure in Fijian football from four decades ago, remains actively involved in the sport and has recently received recognition from the Fiji Football Association. At 58 years old, the former national and Nadi forward, currently based in Sydney, Australia, was inducted into the Fiji FA Legends Programme on December 1.
Nadan’s journey in football began in 1977 at Nadi Sangam Primary School, where he experienced the thrill of scoring the winning goal in an inter-primary competition. Although he initially prioritized his studies during high school, peer pressure led him to play for his village team, Navo Sports Club, where he enjoyed a successful season that included a promotion to the senior division.
His commitment to the sport grew, and after impressing local teams, he caught the eye of Nadi Team Manager Mohammed Saleem. Nadan made his debut for Nadi in 1987, where his scoring prowess quickly established him as a key player. Notably, he played a pivotal role in a historic match against Lautoka, where he scored the winning goal despite suffering an injury.
Throughout his career, he formed a remarkable partnership with fellow striker Rusiate Waqan and acknowledged former Nadroga national defender Abraham Watkins as his toughest opponent. Nadan played his last match in 1994, culminating a career marked by injuries but also by coaching youth teams. He led the West U15 side to triumph at the Sports Well tournament in 1997 and progressed to coaching the Nadi Youth team.
After moving to Sydney in 2001, Nadan established the Nadi Veterans Club, participating in competitions across Australia, including an international tournament in New Zealand. Recently, he was appointed the Head Coach of the Australia Fiji Football Incorporated (AuFFI) All Stars for the Pacific Cup in Lautoka.
Nadan views his family as his primary source of encouragement and attended his induction ceremony with his wife and daughter, reflecting on the importance of community. He emphasizes the role of football in uniting the Fijian diaspora in Australia, aspiring to enhance connections and support for Fijian football development.
Nadan’s belief in fostering youth engagement in sports, particularly through the newly proposed U16 competition, showcases his commitment to building a brighter future for young players. He insists on the significance of maintaining an active lifestyle post-football, encouraging others to prioritize their well-being.
Overall, Nadan’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the enduring impact of football and community, illustrating how sports can foster connections and contribute to individual growth across generations.
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