Rafiq joined the technical department of the Fiji Football Association in 2009 and became involved with the OFC Just Play programme last year when he was appointed as a development officer to work alongside project manager Yassir Jannif.
“Rafiq was a very hardworking, dedicated and loyal employee,” Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel says.
“He carried vast knowledge and football experience which was an asset for Fiji FA. It is a huge loss and, on behalf of Fiji FA, we would like to share our condolences with Rafiq’s family.”
Jannif forged a strong relationship with Rafiq and is deeply saddened by his passing.
“Rafiq and I were very close during our time working together for Just Play and he had become the backbone of the programme,” Jannif says.
“I always respected him as being like a father to me and he was a great person who gave me a lot of advice and guidance. He was very caring and humble and dedicated almost his whole life to football.”
Hailing from Labasa, Rafiq represented his district as a player for over a decade from 1976.
He began his coaching career shortly afterwards in 1988 and initally took charge of the Labasa youth side. He went on to coach Labasa, Dreketi and Seaqaqa at senior level and also assisted the Lami district earlier this year.
Before joining Fiji FA, he was employed by the ANZ Banking Group in Labasa.
Rafiq was farewelled with a funeral service on Friday and was laid to rest at Nasinu Cemetery.
For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj

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