Ba football legend Julie Sami, who was part of the team that won 6 Inter District Championships in a row, has passed away.
Sami, who played in the 1970s to the 1980s era, was renowned for his skills of distribution, tidying up play and setting up attack for the Ba Dream team.
He was also regarded as one of the most accomplished link man.
He started playing soccer at 15 years of age and continued until retirement.
Ba won the Lloyd Farebrother IDC cup from 1975 to 1980, 6 times in a row, until Suva broke their record in 1981 in Suva.
Sami was a highly promising and dynamic athlete known for his agility, balance, and sharp change of pace and showed strong body control, resilience in contact, and composure as a first receiver.
His mobility was a major asset in both attack and defence, enabling quick recoveries and disrupting opposition play.
He played alongside some of the Ba soccer giants including, Bale Raniqa, Inia Bola, Narend Sami, Vimlesh Singh, Sarwan Singh, the late Waisea Naicovu, the late Josetiki Kurivuti, the late Mitieli, the late Josaia Tubuna, the late Jone Nakosia, the late Farook Janeman, and the late Isimeli Nale.
Ba Football Association confirm that funeral arrangements will be announced later.
With the FMF IDC starting tomorrow, the hosts will now be playing more than district pride.
They take on Navua at 8pm at 4R Stadium at Subrail Park.
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