RA native Malakai Waqa scored from a wonder strike against Ba at the Inter District Championship ending Lautoka’s 23-year winless jinx at Govind Park, widely renowned as the home of Fiji soccer.
The Shop N Save Lautoka midfielder scored the only goal to help the Sugar City boys hoist the coveted Lloyd Farebrother trophy and collected a $15,000 cheque.
The Sugar City players beat Ba in a pulsating final, after the Men In Black thrashed Labasa 3-0 in the semis.
Waqa, who has been a seasoned campaigner for the Blues, pulled off an awesome goal in the 40th minute of play when he hammered a piledriver from 20 metres out to beat Jone Sorolo for the 1-0 lead.
It was a double victory for the Sugar City side which also won the primary school title beating Ba 2-0 in the final.
Waqa, a University of Fiji student was overcome with emotions after referee Leone Rakoroi blew the final whistle.
The Fiji Under-20 rep dedicated the victory to the family members of the players and fans.
Waqa also acknowledged Blues striker Netani Momoivalu who is behind bars after being convicted for murder earlier this season.
The 21-year-old who was the unlikely hero said he was sure the ball was heading to the back of the net once it left his right boot.
"It was one of the best goals I have scored in my life," Waqa said.
"To score in the final against a team like Ba is just overwhelming. We have had our ups and downs this year. However, when it mattered most we stuck as a team. I must congratulate all those who helped us get through the preparations. Netani this win is for you."
For coach Dennis Singh, the win brought back memories of Ba’s six in a row victory from 1975 to 1980. He was part of the 1980 team which defeated Nadi 1-0 at Govind Park.
Singh classed Waqa’s strike as the same as the goal scored by Semi Tabaiwalu 28 years ago.
"It was from exactly the same spot. I can clearly remember Semi driving the ball to the back of the net and we won 1-0. I came into this tournament wanting to relive those fond memories of 1980 and these players have made my wish come true," said Singh.
Singh, a defender, also represented Lautoka and the national side.
He was part of the Ba team which went down to Lautoka at Govind Park in 1985.
"Back in 1985 I was part of the losing team," Singh said.
"Now some 23 years on I’m here standing here as a winner with Lautoka. It’s just unbelievable."
