Captain Tiwa, Lal Roll Back the Years as Ba Masters Prepare for Nadi Clash

Ranji’s Kava, Western Eggs Pte Limited and Premier Book Centre Ba Masters will return to action at the 4R Stadium today, taking on Nadi Masters at 10am as they continue their campaign in memory of the late Tuimasi Manuca.

Ba Masters head into the encounter following an impressive 2-0 victory yesterday, with captain Malakai Tiwa and former Ba teammate Shalen Lal rolling back the years with a combination familiar to followers of the Men in Black.

Tiwa scored both goals, and both came from corners delivered by Lal.

On each occasion, Lal supplied the ball into the area and Tiwa did the rest, finding the net with his head to complete Ba’s victory.

The combination provided a touch of nostalgia for Ba supporters, with Tiwa and Lal showing that the understanding developed during their days playing for the district’s senior side has not disappeared.

Tiwa is also leading the Ba Masters side as captain, heading a squad packed with players who have represented Ba football over the years.

The squad includes goalkeepers Imran Wali Khan and Laisenia Tuba, while the defence features Imraz Wali Khan, Semesa Doidoi, Aisea Codro, Ravinesh Chand, Meli Codro, Sitiveni Racele and Jone Vesikula.

The midfield contains Malakai Tiwa, Zaheed Feroz Ali, Shameel Rao, Kini Viliame, Harish Nadan, Johnny Rao, Nitesh Kumar, Timoci Seru and Joeli Ranitu, while Simeli Naresia, Shalen Lal, Adriu Naisiroki and Veresa Ratu Toma provide the attacking options.

While the former stars are enjoying the opportunity to pull on their boots again, the campaign carries a deeper meaning for the Ba Masters side.

The team is playing in memory of the late Tuimasi Manuca, adding an emotional element to their participation and giving the players something more than results to play for.

After opening with a win and seeing Tiwa and Lal recreate some of their old magic, Ba Masters will look to continue their strong start when they face Nadi Masters at 10am today at the 4R Stadium.

Coverage: Khelvin Realtors & Premier Book Centre