WINNING the Apco Coatings/RC Manubhai Fiji International Veterans Tournament on Fiji soil for the first time is a proud achievement for Sydney Ba Masters captain Shailendra Lal.
Based in New Zealand for the past 12 years, Lal is no stranger to the Fiji footballing fraternity.
He started his football career in Toorak with the League Club as a 19-year-old and played for Suva for 13 years winning the Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants and National Football League titles with the team in the mid 1990s.
Lal who owns a car detailing business said more veterans tournaments should be held in the country.
“It is a proud moment for me and the team because this is our 52nd title,” he said.
“We have won titles in Sydney, Brisbane, New Zealand and now in Fiji.
“I believe there needs to be more veterans tournaments in Fiji because there is so much class still here.
“Looking at the Ba Veterans team, they had players who were renowned back in their days. The only things that let them down were their fitness and lack of game time.”
Lal who migrated to New Zealand in 2004 said he was familiar with the Sydney Ba Masters combinations.
“It was a tough tournament here especially playing the heat,” he said.
“In the final we were a bit late to the ground so we did not warm up. The boys worked really hard.
“At halftime the message was to keep the composure and at the end we managed to score two goals. Canada had skilful players but we defended well.
“I always travel to Australia to represent the team so the boys know me well. Bakalevu Moceimereke and Valerio Nasema have played for us before and the others fitted in well.”
Lal was named as the player of the tournament.
