Fijians high pride IN the past two weeks, the Blast from the Past has focused on the forgotten story — the Socceroos defeat at the hands of the Fijians. Australias quest to reach the 1990 World Cup was hampered by this shock loss. In this story, Times Sports brings to you the first defeat of the Socceroos on our home turf before the Fijians wrecked the Socceroos dream of playing in the 1990 World Cup — the tournament which the Aussies thought could have been theirs. FOR George Koi, a Solomon Island descendant, from Newtown, who calls Fiji home, soccer is his everything. He says the game runs in his blood. Koi was the captain of the national team which defeated the Socceroos for the first time in 1969. His story Koi was a man with strong desire. The desire to be a successful in life and for that, he overcame all hurdles that came his way. His own inherent force and energy compelled things to turn out as he desired to make him prosper. Kois childhood dream was to be a soccer player and that led to his selection in the Flagstaff team in 1968. His dedication combining with the teaching of his coach, late Shashi Mahendra Singh, former national coach late Billy Singhs dad, Koi eventually made the Suva team. He boasts his dedication and faithfulness to soccer is no comparison to the players of today. When I started playing, I felt I got what was required of me and I got them all in stock, Koi proudly said. I was dedicated compared to players nowadays. I ran from home to train and I do my extra homework at home. Practise makes perfect and I can miss a meal — I cant miss my training session. I was more dedicated to soccer and we dont travel by car — we walk and work to claim our position at club level. Its a big boost and a big achievement to get into the squad. The retired military mans rise to fame in soccer did not come easy. He spent hours at the back yard at home, practising his kicking and other skills. I was finally getting the chance to be included into the Suva team in 1968, Koi said. From over 45 players, you dont guarantee getting the nod to join the senior side. Making the Suva team was like making it into the national team. We fought tooth and nail to keep our position if we played in the first set. I was fortunate that I had the style that the Suva team needed. During those days, there was no National League. We only played Inter District Championship, the Pala Cup and the Suva, Lautoka home and away match, etc. During our time, you hardly see high kicks which are the stigma that is overruling and the downfall of local games nowdays. Players need to learn the kicking skills. Koi later joined the Army in 1969 as a regular officer which helped a lot with his fitness. I used to ask for permission to play soccer as rugby was the dominated sport in the Army. In 1969, his hard work and dedication in soccer earned him a place in the national team. If you work hard, people will recognise the talent that you have. When I play, I put on my 60 minutes time as if there will not be any other game. I always use the won tok attitude, we say things, we do it. John Lal coached Fiji and invited me to join the Fiji team. Back in the days, the Men in Black always dominated the national team. No Ba player in the team, there is no Fiji team. Actually, the Ba players boycotted the game against the Australians as their scheduled tour collided with this important game. During our camp at the Peninsula Hotel, they made me the camp commander and I was later chosen as captain. My first game for Fiji as captain was against New Zealand, we lost to a spirited Kiwi side. Later that year, the demanding match with the Socceroos arrived. The Aussies — most of them were semi pro players. Their captain was from England and played professional soccer in there. Its their bread and butter, Koi said. Unlike us, we were amateurs and took soccer as our past time activities. This was the highlight of the year. No Ba player, Fiji went on to beat the Aussies in front of a vocal local crowd which was to our advantage on the game day. Lal said, we are Fiji team. Lets create history and make our people proud The only thing we outclassed them was our physicality. We had the stamina, they didnt. We played not to win but try our best. Before the much anticipated encounter, Koi encouraged the boys and asked them to play the game as if it was their last. I told the boys, we can make it, provided we are united. The whole of Fiji is looking at us to make something happen. Let us make Fiji proud and our name to be written in the history book of soccer. The boys never felt tired, recalled Koi, who mesmerised the crowd with his outstanding footwork to outsmart his opponents, playing at centre back in the historic win. We ran the Aussies down and didnt let them settle down. Before they got the ball, we were there to pressure them. We didnt give them two yard because we knew they would run ring around us, Koi continued. First half the teams were tied at nil all. Vula Wate played a grand game and I must commend him although he is not here today, he was our star of the day. He saved a goal that should have won the game for Australia. Fiji fought hard in the second half and was rewarded of its relentless effort. It was five minutes to the end of the game when Fiji scored the winner. Michael Tuilawa with his skilled style of kick, passed the ball to Madhavan who then passed to Jimmy Okete. Okete pushed the ball into the net punishing the Australian defenders who were caught napping, Koi proudly said. It was a memorable atmosphere to all of us. No Ba players, we stamped our mark to prove that our worth. Koi was later invited to attend an interview with Channel 9 in Australia. I have never gone on TV all my life, that day I did. The company paid for all my three weeks expenses which opened doors for me to play at a semi pro club in Australia. His advice Fiji is going down when the soccer is developing dramatically. FIFA is pumping in millions of dollars and still they look for big sponsors during local tournaments, Koi said. We need to ask, where is all the fund going. There is a national coach who is highly paid but we never get any big international games for a long time. The under-20 world cup is just around the corner. Send our national U20 side to rub shoulders with South American teams. It doesnt matter if they get 15-0 or get big hiding from them. In the long term development, this will help. You cant expect to watch professional games on TV and help you develop. You need to practise them. I challenge the Fiji soccer body, give me a team and I will make them do wonders. While on peacekeeping duty, I formed a team. As of today, our record still remains as the best team ever to play against any other country serving on peacekeeping duty in the desert of Sinai. We beat the Netherlands, Spain and Germany with disbelief. With shocking results, all the three teams formed the best from each country to play with us. It was the world team they called against Fiji. We beat them eventually and that is history. I was asked for another game but that was it for me as my one year of service was due and I wanted to see my family, Koi added with a smile.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:22:17 +0000
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