Labasa recently held a heartfelt and solemn funeral for David Simon Simmons, a celebrated figure in Fijian soccer and 1963 Pacific Games silver medallist. The ceremony took place early last month, attended by his two sisters, Sylvia and Emilie, along with close family friends, marking the end of an era for a man whose legacy extends far beyond his hometown of Labasa, where he developed his soccer talent and made significant contributions to local sports.
Although many young Fijians today may not recognize his name, older soccer fans from the 1960s and 1970s light up with excitement at the mention of David Simmons. As a relative of David, the author reflects on the profound impact he had on various communities during a different time in Fiji’s history. Jope Balawanilotu, David’s brother-in-law and a former sports journalist, recalls how sports in Fiji were often racially divided during that era.
David faced challenges because he was part-European, which prevented him from joining the Fiji Indian Football Association (FIFA). To participate, he registered under the name David Zoing, a surname linked to one of his sisters’ marriages to a Chinese man. This allowed him to play club soccer in Labasa and later in Suva, where he played for Marlows Ltd.
Despite his talent, FIFA initially faced a constitutional issue regarding his name, which led to a pivotal moment in Fijian soccer. The association held a special annual general meeting to change its name to the Fiji Football Association, paving the way for a more inclusive and multicultural soccer community. This change forced other sports to follow suit, especially as the government introduced localization initiatives.
Jope recalls the pain of watching Fiji lose 9-2 to New Caledonia in the Pacific Games gold medal final in 1963. David, however, made an impact by substituting in the latter stages of the game and showcasing his skills. While the author has not independently verified all historical details, reports indicate that the Fiji Football Association became a multiracial body in 1961 and that the national team participated in its first South Pacific Games in Suva in 1963.
With this new inclusivity, clubs like Ba quickly benefitted, drawing from the diverse populations within Fiji to bolster their teams. Ronald Chaudhary, a soccer enthusiast, noted that fans compared David’s skills to those of the legendary Maradona, celebrating his remarkable dribbling and left-footed finesse.
Many soccer legends, including Sylvester Joseph, reminisced about David’s unmatched talent and the joy he brought to the game, while others like Hussain Sahib acknowledged David’s prowess across multiple sports, including rugby, boxing, and golf. Family members such as Brian Simmons shared fond memories of playing soccer with David, highlighting his generosity and skill.
As David aged, he transitioned to less physically demanding activities and moved to Australia in 1973, where he enjoyed golfing. Despite living abroad, his love for his family and Fiji remained strong. Emilie, his sister, recalls her brother’s protective nature as a sibling and the tenderness he showed even as his health declined due to dementia.
David Simmons passed away peacefully at Blacktown Hospital in Sydney at the age of 83, surrounded by his loved ones, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by many in Fiji and beyond.