FMSA 2016 2016 | Page 5

MESSAGE FROM CFO of FMSA OF USA FANCA - Treasurer Elias Ali History of Fiji Muslim Sport Association of USA Fiji Muslim Sports Association of California was formed in 1992 by a group of soccer enthusiasts, namely Abdul Nasrat Wahid, Abdul Bobby Khalik and the late Mohammed Sahzad. Soccer was in full swing at that time with Fiji Soccer Association of California enjoying an affiliation of 22 teams and hosting well organized Tournaments every three weeks regularly. Competition was very strong and not every Muslim player was able to compete at that level. In order to give our average Muslim players game time, a Muslim soccer Association was formed. It grew in strength from year to year and at one time we had an affiliation of 10 teams, but with players being geographically relocated and with tougher economic times the affiliation decreased, not to mention the effect a split had on our small Muslim soccer Association. But with astute leadership the Association is once again back to an average affiliation. One more factor that is affecting the Association is the fact our younger generation is not into soccer. In 2010 the FANCA Tournament was hosted by our Association in Hayward, California and it was very successful. Every other year we take an All Star Team to take part in this prestigious Tournament. Our efforts have been average but we have managed to take part every year thanks to the support that we get from our community. Rio Olympics has come and gone, and Fiji has achieved its life long dream of a gold medal, its first medal in Olympics. Now it is our turn. FANCA All Star Team is ready to take on any team in the upcoming Tournament to be held in Nadi, Fiji in October. It has not been an easy ride. The journey to make it happen has been rough. But through the perseverance of our hard working supporters we have once again prevailed, not forgetting the politics that also was played to hinder our progress. But when you have the blessings of Allah on your side nothing can stop you. We are ready. Our last notable achievement was in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Fiji Muslim Soccer Association held in Fiji in 1995, where we won the International Tournament and then defeated Rewa the local champions. Insha Allah our team will come victrious once again by winning the FANCA Tournament this year. Lets go guys. Go USA. Elias Ali CFO of FMSA OF USA FANCA Treasurer