The untimely demise of 16-year-old Fijian footballer Shalit Muni Reddy casts a long shadow over the OFC U-17 Championship as www.oceaniafootball.com pays tribute to the late Nadi Muslim College student.
Born in Malolo, Nadi, on March 28, 1998, Shalit Muni Reddy, was a keen footballer with the world at his feet, his skill and potential obvious when he scored Fiji’s fourth goal in their 5-0 win over the Cook Islands on 17 January in Apia just 12 days ago.
The death of a player at an Oceania competition is a tragedy of the kind the OFC has not experienced in its 49 years of existence, Shalit’s death sending shockwaves throughout the sporting community of the pacific.
The only record of a footballer’s death while actively playing was that of former Tafea FC and Vanuatu player Ken Masauvakolo in 2008, while former Auckland City FC striker Keryn Jordan died from cancer in 2013 aged 39. Both were tragedies in their own right, but what sets aside the Shalit Muni Reddy tragedy is his age of 16, just 61 days short of his next birthday.
Fiji FA President and OFC Vice-President Rajesh Patel described the anguish felt at the loss of one so young, one who had lhis life set out before him.
“We have lost an upcoming player and a true son of Fiji. One who had football in his heart. Football was his life.
“We announce the demise of Shalit Muni Reddy with a heavy heart and pray to god almighty to give courage and strength to his family at this tough time.
“The Fiji FA will stand by Shalit’s family in this mourning period and we will try to support them in every possible way,” Patel said.
It is no surprise the Fiji FA have resolved to cover the funeral expenses for Shalit’s internment.
But amid the pain and grief, the bright eyed youngster who took to J S Blatter Field, leaves behind a short but vivid snapshot of a talent that promised so much but will sadly never be realised.
Shalit Muni Reddy made his Fiji U-17 debut as a substitute in their opening match of the OFC U-17 Championship, replacing Rusiate Qio at halftime, as they trailed eventual champions New Zealand by 3-0. It says much of the youngsters character that it was he co-coaches Yogendra Dutt and Kamal Swamy turned to as their side searched for an infusion of hope.
Reddy performed a similar role off the bench two days later as Fiji held Papua New Guinea to a 0-0 draw, emerging as a substitute on the hour mark, his height and physicality making a big difference as his team earned their first point at the competition.
Patience always carries with it rewards and Shalit’s objective was finally fulfilled when he made his first start for Fiji in their next match with New Caledonia. Physical and a threat at set-plays, young Reddy was a constant thorn in New Caledonia’s side despite the 5-1 loss.
But Reddy made sure Fiji finished the OFC U-17 Championship with two vital wins, the first a 5-0 beating of the Cook Islands in which he notched his team’s second goal. In his final appearance in the black and white of his country it is perhaps fitting that Reddy signed off looking after a team-mate, his goalkeeper Waisake Ravuiwasa, who was injured in a melee during Fiji’s 4-1 win over host nation Samoa.
By Tuesday 27 January, Shalit Muni Reddy, a graduate of A.D. Patel Primary School, a student of Nadi Muslim College, a proud Fijian, much loved son and family member, a team-mate and a young man with potential, would be gone forever, a life lost to the waters at Savaii as the result of an accident on a team excursion.
OFC President David Chung summarised the feelings of the football community of Oceania in a statement released the next day.
“It is clear Shalit loved football from an early age and you can see this from his time with A.D. Patel primary school and Nadi Muslim College age group teams.
“This is a tragic event – a young boy playing for the Fiji U-17 team, dreaming of football glory, to be cut down in the richness of youth leaves us all with sore hearts, tears and prayers for Shalit’s family, friends, team-mates, coaches and our dear colleagues at the Fiji FA.
“Shalit had been playing for Fiji U-17 with distinction, he was a prospect that undoubtedly would have had a bright future in the game.
“Indeed, he underlined that promise as a footballer when he scored a goal in Fiji’s 5-0 win over the Cook Islands just over a week ago. Everyone is still in disbelief that something this tragic could happen to a fine young man.
“No words can fully express our grief and dismay at seeing this happen, we can only pass on all our thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Shalit Muni Reddy and hope they will get some strength from the out pouring of love and support from everyone,” he said.
Video Tribute – Shalit Muni Reddy click here
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For more on Fiji FA visit www.fijifootball.com.fj

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