Eswa Nadan, affectionately known as “Ninja,” remains a prominent figure in the football community, despite being a household name over four decades ago. The 58-year-old former star of Nadi FC, who now runs a successful air-conditioning and refrigeration business in Sydney, Australia, was recently honored by the Fiji Football Association (FFA) with an induction into the Fiji FA Legends Programme during a ceremony held in Nadi on December 1.
Nadan’s football journey began in primary school in 1977, where he made a memorable debut by scoring the winning goal for his team, setting the foundation for a dedicated career in sports. Reflecting on his experiences, Nadan expressed how football transformed his life and helped develop his character, stating, “I got my first taste of football while playing for Nadi Sangam Primary and that moment was special because I scored the winning goal.”
During his high school years, while initially more focused on academics, Nadan was coaxed into play for his village team in the Nadi Local League. His determination and skills shone through as he contributed significantly to the team’s promotion to senior division, leading to further accomplishments, which ignited his passion for the sport.
Nadan’s breakthrough came when he was invited to train with the Nadi district team alongside prominent players of the time. He made his competitive debut for Nadi in 1987, showcasing his talent by scoring a goal against Suva. His career continued to flourish, highlighted by a memorable victory against Lautoka, where he scored the game-winner despite suffering an injury.
Despite retiring early due to injuries in 1994, Nadan’s influence on football did not wane. He transitioned into coaching, leading youth teams, and was instrumental in guiding the West U15 side to success in a tournament where they triumphed over New Zealand. His commitment extended to coaching the Nadi youth team and later the main district team before he relocated to Australia in 2001.
In Australia, Nadan established the Nadi Veterans Club, participating in local competitions and international events. He also took on a leadership role as Head Coach for the Australia Fiji Football Incorporated (AuFFI) All Stars during the Pacific Cup in Lautoka, focusing on building a strong team of young players.
Nadan credits his family, particularly his wife Shalini and two children, Eshaal and Eswali, as his strongest support system. His recent recognition as the 82nd legend in the Fiji FA Legends Club was a moment of pride for both him and his family, further fueling his commitment to uniting the Fijian community through football.
Looking ahead, Nadan emphasizes the importance of fostering connections within the Fijian diaspora in Australia, expressing his belief in the power of football to bring people together. He is optimistic about the future, especially with new initiatives aimed at promoting youth football, which he views as a critical step in nurturing the next generation of talent from Fiji.
This story not only celebrates Nadan’s remarkable journey through football but also highlights the potential of sports as a means of community building and youth development. His example serves as an inspiration for many, reinforcing the idea that passion and commitment can lead to both personal fulfillment and collective growth.
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