NEW Zealand-based businessman Shalendra Goundar says his passion is to help local soccer players develop their skills to be better players with a secure future.
The good Samaritan has helped most Ba players like Robert Wise, Peni Finau, Luke Vidovi, Manueli Kalou, his brother Isimeli Naresia, Esala Masi, Jone Vesikula and Osea Vakatalesau.
Goundar financially helped Wise when he broke his leg in a local tournament when no one cared for the talented player. Likewise for Naresia who sustained a knee injury during the final of the Fiji Fact between Suva and Ba in May at Govind Park, he gave a bicycle to help Naresia's recovery.
He has brought players like Malakai Tiwa, Vesikula, Masi, Vidovi, Finau and Vakatalesau to participate at tournaments in Auckland.
"Yes, I have helped the Ba team in the past and have continued my support. I have financially and morally supported the Ba team. I have also brought players in the past to participate in tournament like IDC in Auckland. These players are Tiwa, Vesikula, Masi, Vidovi, Finau and his brother Vakatalesau." Goundar said.
The Century 21 Real Estate owner and general manager said despite living in New Zealand, his heart always remained in Fiji.
"I was born and brought up in Ba and Ba team is in my heart. Now I am based in Auckland, New Zealand but still my heart is in Fiji. I started following Ba team from 1976.
"Like the saying goes "You can take the boy out of Fiji, but can't take Fiji out of the boy". As we all are aware of Ba team players capabilities and how or why they are regarded as "Fiji's soccer giant". They not only have taken Fiji soccer to a different level but have also set a bench mark which is also been recognised internationally," he said.