The Fiji Football Association received a donation of 3000 training bibs in Suva yesterday.

This was through the kind gesture of Fiji-born businessman Mohammed Shameem. The 3000 pieces of polyester vests costs more than $43,000.

Born and raised in Suva, Shameem moved to Australia four decades ago; he is the managing director for Racer Group Pty Limited, which includes a clothing apparel Racer AllRound Clothing Recycling in New South Wales.

He is a keen supporter of football in Fiji. He played district football in Australia and now runs a Suva team in Sydney and also the vice president of FANCA.

“When I came to Fiji, I always want to give something back; I have been giving back the last 40 years that I’ve been overseas.

From left: Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf, vice president Jitend Reddy and Mohammed Shameem during the handover of the training bips at the Fiji FA headquarters in Vatuwaqa, Suva on February 14, 2024.
Photo: Sereana Salalo

“Not only I contribute to soccer but we also give rugby and also to schools and hospitals.

“Money is not about everything nowadays – giving back and putting smiles on people’s face is what I like to see,” Shameem added.

Fiji FA chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf acknowledged the great gesture by Shameem.

He said that the training bips would be embroidered with the Fiji FA logo and social messages before it is distributed to all local clubs.

“This will also be used by the children in the three academies that comes to train from 3-5pm everyday.

“We want to thank Shameem for his generous contribution and will sit down for further announcements in terms of his company’s support to Fiji FA.”

FIJI FACT in Labasa

Yusuf said that the Digicel Fiji FACT will be hosted at Subrail Park, Labasa and not at the HFC Bank Stadium as confirmed earlier.

This was after the Fiji Sports Council indicated that the Stadium has been booked by Oceania Athletics for the Oceania Championships on the given dates.

“We had a few rounds of talk and negotiations; they had allowed us to host the Rooster Chicken Battle of Giants at the HFC Bank Stadium late July, they will talk to one of the schools that have booked to shift and they will give us the confirmation in writing after they speak to the other party,” he said.

The Fiji FACT is scheduled to be held on May 31 to June 1 with the finals on June 8-9 before the national team leaves for Vanuatu on June 13 for the Four Nations Cup.

“We now awaiting the written confirmation and will make the announcement as soon as possible,” he added.

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