Fiji Football Association awards its most devoted Labasa supporter with Gold Card for free entry to all Fiji FA events
The Fiji Football Association has honoured one of the northern island’s most loyal fans, Mohammed Izaz Janif, by presenting him with a prestigious Gold Card that grants free entry to all Fiji FA-sanctioned events. Janif’s longstanding passion for Fijian football was acknowledged during a ceremony at the Fiji FA headquarters, marking a milestone in recognizing the role of dedicated supporters in the sport.
Janif, a lifelong Labasa supporter from Bocalevu, has become more than just a spectator. He is widely regarded as an ambassador for Labasa football, a familiar face at Subrail Park whose infectious laughter and visible enthusiasm have become synonymous with matchdays. His presence during the 2025 Extra Battle of the Giants helped lift the atmosphere, drawing players, fans and media attention alike.
The gesture from Fiji FA serves as more than a token of loyalty; it recognizes Janif’s enduring commitment to Labasa and to Fijian football over the years. His spontaneous on-ground commentary and memorable catchphrases, including a noted line that fans widely associate with his persona of Labasa football, have transformed him into a cultural symbol of the club’s identity and community spirit.
Beyond his love for football, Izaz is known for his local ties and daily life in Labasa. He is a 40-year-old mobile vegetable vendor who lives in Bocalevu and supports a family, including a 19-year-old son who attends Fiji National University. His daughter lives with his former partner, and he provides care for his mother after his father’s passing. Izaz described the everyday resilience of his life, noting the loyalty and friendships he has built both locally and overseas through his friendly persona.
His business at the ground illustrates how football Saturdays double as social and economic events. He buys produce for around 50 cents and doubles the price at the ground, reporting earnings of about $40 a day, a figure bolstered by fans eager to hear his laugh and enjoy his on-field banter.
The season’s highlights underscored Labasa’s strong performance and community reach. The team clinched the Battle of the Giants title on home soil, a triumph that resonated beyond the pitch and reinforced the town’s pride in its football culture. Izaz’s presence during these celebrations highlighted the deep connection between the club, its supporters, and the broader community—an ecosystem where sport, local business and social life reinforce one another.
This recognition shines a light on how football events in Labasa blend sport with local livelihoods and identity. It also points to the potential of football to stimulate sports tourism and provide opportunities for community-based entrepreneurship around matchdays. Fans like Izaz show how loyalty can translate into lasting cultural impact and a symbol that inspires others to engage with the sport.
What this means for Labasa and Fiji football is a positive reminder of the power of dedicated fans to shape the game’s atmosphere and economy. Izaz’s Gold Card marks not just a personal honor but a representation of the enduring bond between supporters and their clubs, and of the vibrant, community-driven culture that makes Fiji football unique.
Additional notes and value
– The Gold Card gesture reinforces the role of fans as active participants in football culture, potentially encouraging more supporters to become visible ambassadors for their clubs.
– For future coverage, consider profiles of other standout supporters and a deeper look at how matchday economies around Subrail Park contribute to Labasa’s local Businesses and tourism.
Overall, Izaz Janif’s Gold Card story is a hopeful example of how passion, community spirit and football can intersect to celebrate loyalty, lift spirits, and strengthen the social fabric of Labasa and Fiji at large.
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