Hundreds pay final respect to Kosa

Local Sports

Josefa Masilagi led the funeral procession of Lautoka football legend Epeli Kosa in NZ todayHUNDREDS of people showed up to pay their final respect to football legend Epeli Ragavatu Kosa.

The former Lautoka and Fiji International footballer passed away at aged 65, in New Zealand on Monday.

Last night thongs of people, friends, families, footballers and fans turned up for viewing at the Mangere Centre Park.

Kosa, a household name in the 1980s, was a genius on the pitch, who won the back-to-back 1984,1985, Inter District Championship, 1985 Battle of the Giants and the 1984 and 1988 National Football League championship.

The quartet, Kosa, Kelemedi Vosuga Cheetah, Sam Work and John Monday were regarded as the cult heroes of the era.

Draped in blue garb, footballers Josefa Masilagi and Modu Hoyt led the funeral procession to Kosa’s final resting place.

The mourners lined up to file through the cemetery, many dressed in blue attire as a symbol of respect for the legendary footballer.

Roshan Ifraz Ali admired the footballer during his playing days, and said people of different faith paid their respect to Kosa who spread the gospel of love and brotherhood.

“Father as I affectionately called him as did many others, to us all he was a dear friend and a humble soul,” said Ali.

Rajnesh Kumar, a patron of the popular Fijian Kava Bar, said he will forever miss Kosa, added, in-fact the club is already feeling Kosa's absence.

“Our Friday get together will never be the same again,”said Kumar, who was Kosa’s football teammate during his football days.

“He was the club, he will be sorely missed,”

Ravin Chand who represented Nadi in Fiji and played alongside Kosa in New Zealand is distraught at the fact that he didn’t get to say a goodbye, other than today's solace farewell.

Sam Ali grew up watching his idol, mention the 1980s, and Kosa’s name surely comes up in the conversation.

“He’s up there in the realm of Lautoka football,” said Ali.

“It is fitting that hundreds of people, friends and footballers wore blue to pay their respect to a legend and a true servant of Lautoka football.

“Great footballer of his time, amazing singer and even better human being.”