Monday 22nd February, 2010
National Bilikiki player and former Zome Mars and KOSSA forward James Naka played his first game for his new club Rewa in Fiji on Sunday. While Naka did not score in their 2 – 0 win his presence on the field certainly contributed to their victory in their opening match of the Fiji Sun Weet-Bix National Football League against Bic Power Electric Suva at the Vodafone Ratu Cakobau Park.

Naka moved to Fiji after striking a deal with Rewa who are pinning their hopes for a resurgence in the local football scene in Fiji this year with a shopping list for Solomon Islands players. Currently, Rewa is still trying to negotiate the release of George Lui and Abraham Iniga from Marist after their luck with Alick Maemae and Jack Wetney ran out.

Viva Rewa: James Naka is wearing No. 13
The day, however, belonged to Simione Tamanisau and Ratu Veresa Toma who returned to Rewa after 2 years away and both finding the back of the net for their side’s win.

After playing an even first half against their opponents Rewa edged ahead in the 52nd minute with Tamanisau’s goal. Toma then formalized their win with his strike in the 82nd minute.

Tamanisau who used to be the Fiji National Goalkeeper before he changed positions to become a striker said that it was good to be back with Rewa where he started his playing career. 

“It feels awesome to be back on my home turf and to score a goal in my first match.  A couple of players including me left two years ago when Rewa was one of the most feared team. The standard of the Rewa team dropped and I felt it was time to come back and assist in bringing the glory back,” Tamanisau said. 
“Rewa has a lot of young boys in the team and for me as a experienced player it is good for me to play with them and assist them. It feels great to score a goal on my return and I can say now that Rewa will be a team to reckon with in the National Football League and major tournaments,” Toma said.  

Naka was the crowd favourite for Rewa fans who backed him with applause. While it took him some time to settle down he created problems for the Suva backline with his skills and pace.

In Vanuatu, Batram Suri was the star for Amicale in their match against the Carlos Buzetti coached Spirit 08. His well placed shot late in the match gave his side the 1 – 0 victory against their rivals.