Shailendra Lal, a former midfielder for the Suva football team, reflects with fondness on the unforgettable achievements of his team during the 1995 season. Lal, now 53, highlights the historic moment when Suva won both the Fiji FACT and BOG tournaments, creating a legacy that still resonates with him today. “Winning Fiji FACT and BOG in the same year. That was 1995. Then what we did was, we won the National League back-to-back,” Lal recalls with pride.
The 1995-1996 and 1996-1997 seasons were particularly fruitful for Suva, with Lal noting the team’s consistency that lasted until 1998. His reflections on the evolution of football in Fiji reveal his awareness of significant changes over the years. The game, he observes, has become faster-paced and emphasizes strategic play, unlike the more balanced competition he recalls from his playing days, where any team had a chance to win.
Lal’s passion for the game remains evident as he expresses his support for the current Suva team in this year’s Fiji FACT tournament. He acknowledges the strength of rivals such as Rewa but continues to root for his team, hoping they advance to the finals and claim victory.
Currently residing in Australia, Lal has returned to Fiji to participate as a player for the Suva veterans’ team in the upcoming 2025 RC Manubhai/APCO Coatings International Veterans Tournament, embodying the spirit of community and legacy that football instills.
Interestingly, Lal’s sentiments echo those of other former players like William Lasaqa and Intiaz Khan, who also reflect on their remarkable achievements and the camaraderie fostered through football. Lasaqa shared memories of the intense community support and bonding of that era, while Khan highlighted a similar dedication to nurturing young talents as he stepped into coaching.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Fiji FACT, there is a strong sense of hope and community pride among former and current players alike, reinforcing the enduring legacy of Fijian football and its positive impact on society. Lal’s love for the game serves as a reminder of the passion that drives many athletes and the joy it brings to their communities.
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