The football fraternity in Fiji is mourning the death of one the legends of the sport, Esala Masi Senior who passed away at the Lautoka Hospital earlier this week.
Masi Senior, a football icon of the 1960s was the first indigenous footballer to don the Ba jumper and was also actively involved with the Ba Football Association in organizing its Platinum Jubilee celebration which officially gets underway this Saturday.
He along with two former reps Meera Singh and Zikar Ali lit up the torch for the celebrations last week to mark the launch of the celebrations.
The Nadroga native played a prominent role in the national team from 1964-1968 and captained the team which toured New Zealand, Australia and New Caledonia in 1968.
He was also part of the Fiji team in the 1963 South Pacific Games in Suva.
Fiji FA chief executive officer Bob Kumar expressed great sadness over the passing of Masi and said fond memories of the football legend will always remain with those that knew him.
“I was indeed shocked when first told about his death as we all in the Fiji FA executive committee knew him very closely,” said Kumar.
“He and his family have contributed a lot towards the sport of football in the country and on behalf of the football fraternity; I am sending my deep sympathies and condolences to his family.”
“He was always a respected person and even after his playing days, he could be easily seen at games with the Ba team.
He was very humble and friendly and his contribution to Ba and Fiji will always be more than appreciated”
Masi is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters. His two sons, Osea and Manoa Masi have represented Ba and the national team while his nephews Esala Masi and Malakai Kainahewe are also former Ba and national representatives.
Esala Masi was indeed one of the greatest soccer players of Fiji. He was a true sportsman - always with a smile.His contribution to soccer in Fiji was enormous . He was a raw model to young players of today. His sudden death is a great loss to all associated with soccer in Fiji. Being the past member of FFA executive I met Esla Masi many a times and always respected him for who he was. My sincere sympathy with his wife and children for the loss of this great man. May his soul rest in peace. Santokh Singh - Toronto, Canada.
Posted by: azad ali
Netherlands Antilles | Jul 29, 2010 | 10:21:02 PM
I would like to express my deep sympathy for the Masi family. It is indeed very sad news for all the people of Ba. He was such a nice and jovial person.
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