Cama Was a Great Boxing Coach

by Josefa Makaba

Fiji Times - Sunday, February 28, 2010

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Daughter of the late Sunia Cama.

AS a tribute to his late trainer Sunia Cama, Vancouver-based former middleweight champion Isimeli Lesi said he wants to take young Petero Qica to Canada and give him a chance to make a name for himself on the world scene.

Cama was laid to rest at the Old Suva Cemetery in front of family members, relatives, friends and representatives from the local boxing community.

Lesi held two titles, the South Pacific weliterweight and the South Pacific Junior Middleweight title when he was active in the sport.

Lesi, who was trained by Cama in the late 1980s, said yesterday he was saddened by the loss of his former trainer.

"I'm just so sad. The best way I can repay all the good things that he has done for me is to bring his young fighter Qica to Canada," Lesi said from Vancouver .

"From what I heard before he died Cama was training Qica to follow the footsteps of previous champions who have come out of the famous YMCA Boxing Club.

"I want to continue his quest of taking Qica to the top by bringing him to Canada and giving the best training facilities and to train with some of the top boxing trainers we have here."

Lesi yesterday paid tribute to the hard work done by Cama to produce some of the country's long list of champions.

"During my time, there were a group of champions who were being trained by Cama that included Atama Matauloki, Koroi Vodo, Anthony Naidu, and Kamisese Vaubula.

"I believe Qica was following their footsteps very closely until Cama passed away.

"I will have to contact Qica's father and make arrangements for him to come and train here.

"He will have the chance to make it into the top of his category especially with the class of trainers and facilities we have," Lesi said.

"I want to thank Cama by continuing his work of making Qica a World champion."

Ronil scores 66, holds on to win

Ronil scores 66, holds on to win Round 4

Fiji Times - Tuesday, February 23, 2010

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James Raman tees off during the Datec Summer Cup at the Fiji Golf Club in Vatuwaqa last Saturday.

RONIL Kumar scored 66 to win Round 4 of the Datec Summer Cup at the Fiji Golf Club last Saturday.

Kumar had to fight off some strong challenge from the field to hold on to the lead at the end of competition.

Filimoni Kau took second place on 67 while Baskaran Nair finished on 68.

In the B grade, Steven Hazelman top scored with 65 while John Tevita was second on 67 and T Naqarase finished in third place also on 67

In the C grade, Jai Lal took first spot with a score of 65 to beat Frank Chan also on 65 and Arvind Goundar on 67.

In the women's, competition former national rep Lyndall Fisher took first place on 67 while Dr Sereima Ba was second on 72.

Nearest to the pin was won by Rizwan Hassan on fifth hole and John Crouch on the 12th hole.

Cama was ‘a Tough Opponent'

Fiji Times - Tuesday, February 23, 2010

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Former heavyweight champion Filimoni Naliva.

FORMER Heavyweight Champion Filimoni Naliva said the passing away of friend and former opponent Sunia Cama was a big loss to the sport in the country.

Cama passed away in his sleep in Suva last week.

Naliva said he was sad to hear the news and he would try to attend his funeral.

The Sorokoba man said even though they were fierce opponents inside the ring, they were best of friends outside.

"We had a very tough fight during the two occasions we fought each other," Naliva said.

"He won one while I also won one."

Naliva said they became even closer when they retired from boxing.

"He always wanted me to visit him in Toorak whenever I came to Suva."

Naliva said he always made an effort to visit Cama at his Toorak Restaurant before he returned to Ba.

"The main topic of our discussion was always about boxing.

"He was a kind and caring person," Naliva said.

"I will miss him and my trips to Suva will not be the same from now on because he is no longer here.

"I want to send his wife and their kids my deepest sympathy during this very sad moment.

"When I heard of his passing we organised a small grog session in the village just to talk about this very good man," Naliva said.

Sunia Cama dies in Suva

Saturday, February 20, 2010

http://www.indianweekender.co.nz

Sunia Cama, former Fiji heavyweight boxing champion and one of the country's top trainers, died in Suva on Friday morning (Feb 19).

Cama died in his sleep at around 6am inside his car which was parked on the pavement outside his Toorak restaurant.

The 67-year-old first appeared onto the boxing scene when he won the Fiji light heavyweight title in 1969 and went on to become the Fiji heavyweight champion in the 1970s.

He fought the likes of Tongan's Fonomanu Sekona, Mani Vaka, the late Marika Naivalu, Vuniivi Nadumu, Samuela Vocea, Koli Vailea, Niko Degei, Johnny Gorkom, Den Compain and Australian Quentin Waters.

He was the only Fijian boxer to have beaten tough Samoan heavyweight Fossie Schmidt.

Cama was also known to have trained some of the best boxers in Fiji, including Anthony Naidu, Isimeli Lesi, Koroi Vodo, Atama Matauloki, Sunia Cama Junior, uprising Petero Qica Junior.

Well known for his rigid discipline programmes, most of his fighters went on to become champions.

Ardent Auckland boxing enthusiast Ahmed Khan, of Pakuranga, said Fiji had lost a huge boxing identity.

“He was a huge man inside the ring and also made his presence felt outside of boxing,” Khan told the Indian Weekender.

His cousin Petero Qica Senior, who was with Cama before he passed away, said the former champion died peacefully without any signs of pain.

"After we came back from training on Thurday night, he was at his usual behaivour, talking and joking with the boys," Qica told the Fiji Times.

Qica said Cama preferred to sleep in his car because of the humid weather while the rest of the boys were seated outside the restaurant.

"Around 3am he woke up to check the daily takings from the restaurtant before he went back to the car.

"After six in the morning, we heard he had a problem with his breathing."

Qica said Cama had collapsed during training at the YMCA on Tuesday.

"But after we attended to him, na qase told us he was all right.

Qica said Cama's untimely death brought the Toorak community together.

Wife Seini Makosoi said Indian neighours and friends all alike came into the shop enquiring about the news.

He is survived by his wife and 12 children.

Sunia Cama

Sunia Cama passes away 19 February 2010 Former heavyweight boxer and businessman of Fiji, Sunia Cama passed away this morning. 69 year old Cama was a great boxer of his time and did not only hold the heavyweight title but was also the champion in the Light Heavyweight division. Cama also fought overseas. His cousin Alipate Korovou who is also a former top boxer says Cama's death is a big loss to boxing in Fiji and he will be sorely missed by many boxing fans and boxers, as he was still taking interest in boxing and training the amateur boxers. Cama was also the corner man for Joy Ali, when he fought Samoa's Faimasasa Tavui and Joseph Kwadjo. During the early 1970s, he trained a group of amateur fighters who all later became champions and top boxers in the region, and this includes Sakaraia Ve, Jo Keresi, Timoci Belo and Inoke Cakautini. Cama whose funeral details will be released later, is survived by his wife and 12 children. Fiji's boxing legend dies Friday, February 19, 2010 Former heavyweight champion and one of the country's top boxing trainers Sunia Cama has passed away at his Toorak home – early this morning. Back in the mid 70s he was the heavyweight boxing champion of Fiji. Everybody who knew him and was dubbed the king of the ring in an era when Fiji dominated the South Pacific in boxing. Cama was the drawcard when and wherever he fought because not only was the champion but his prowess and was a brute of a man , had no mercy for of his opponents. Many people went to watch boxing then, to watch stylish and classy fighters like Leweni Waqa, Filimoni Naliva, Vuniivi Nadumu and Nemani Waka, to name a few. Cama now 65, has contributed a lot to boxing. Like many other sporting oldies, he lives a quiet place and runs a business in Suva Cama's Cafe. The place that defied any rules, decrees, laws, coups or whatever anyone could think of trying to enforce in Fiji! Sunia Cama's cafe NEVER closed, (although the front entrance was locked at night), --you could always drop by through the back entrance for a late night curry and a beer, then pick up a carton fiji bitter on the way to after-parties..! around Suva :-) Cama hails from the village of Nasau,from the island of Moce in Lau and maternal blood links from Yadrana the village where boxing was their only sport and dominates known boxers like undefeated former heavyweight champion - Atama Matauloki. To him boxing became a career and even though it did not pay well, he was earning money from the ring. He fought many known boxers and he fought about 70 fights but has lost count of the year. Cama hung his gloves in 1983 after his last fight against Niko Degei. He survived by his wife Seini and 12 children.

NZ sevens eyes Speight

Petero Qauqau

Fiji Times - Monday, February 22, 2010

FORMER Fiji under-19 rugby rep Henry Speight is the latest Fijian of interest for Gordon Tietjens.

It is likely that Speight will be in the Kiwi sevens line-up as early as next year.

The former Queen Victoria School student has been impressive on the New Zealand sevens scene, and recently helped his Samurai club take out the Las Vegas Invitational Club Sevens with exceptional kicking skills last Thursday and Friday, beating Fijian club Uprising 44-7 in their final at the Sam Boyd grounds in the Sin City before the USA Las Vegas Sevens.

The Wainibuka lad who caught the attention of many has been on a three-year stand-down period and will be eligible for New Zealand this November.

"He becomes eligible next year and we are certainly interested in him," Tietjens said.

"He'll be available and he could be selected if he's playing well enough."

The Samurai club that Speight played for in Vegas was guided in by 2008 New Zealand sevens rep Chad Tuoro and managed by Barry Gallagher.

Gallagher was full of praise for the former Victorian and regarded him as a talented all round player with exceptional kicking skills.

"We watched him play for Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup and he has played very well," Gallagher said.

"I would rank him up there with the internationals and he showed his class in the semis against the Pacific West Coast Grizzlies and in the final against Uprising."

Meanwhile Speight is keeping his options open.

"I haven't made the choice yet but I will decide when the time comes," he said.

Speight continues to play for his Hamilton Old Boys club and his part time studies at Waikato University.

Fiji US Rugby 7s Fans Await Reps

Fiji Sun - 10 February 2010

Money, geographical location and time are but of little concern for the Fijian community in the United States. They are preparing to make their way to the home of one of the world’s entertainment city, Las Vegas to meet up and cheer for the Digicel Fiji 7s gladiators in the US leg of the IRB 7s Series this weekend. As the saying goes, ‘Sports conquers all’, it is not only the indigenous Fijians who are eagerly awaiting the event but the Chinese, Indian and Islanders who have ties to Fiji have submitted their contribution to be part of the trip. Buses and mini vans have been organized to transport the Fijian community with their luggage which consists largely of costumes, banners, flags and t-shirts bearing the Fiji flag. To Redwood City resident and Ono-I-Lau native Ateca Cavu-Barini, the wait is almost over. For the proud Fijian, to support her home country and cheer them to another win in Las Vegas is her ultimate goal - a chance she would not miss for the world. Speaking from her home which is 25 minutes drive from San Francisco and a 10-hour drive by bus from Las Vegas, Cavu-Barini said preparation and plans for the trip begun last year. “The wait is almost over. Everyone is very excited and talking about the trip and cannot wait to be there,” said Cavu-Barini. “This is our home team and they deserve the best. We want to make sure the boys and the team management gets the maximum support they can possibly get during their stay. We want to make them feel as comfortable as possible to ensure they do not feel alienated here. This is our duty to Fiji.” “After the Wellington win, everyone is very excited to go. Transportation has been arranged via bus and plane. And we have costumes, flags, banners and T-Shirts which have been printed to be taken down to the games venue. The majority of the Fijian community resides in and around the Great Bay Area so it has been possible to keep in touch. I know for a fact that there are also busloads of supporters to come from the other areas in the States. Everyone is really looking forward to this. We will leave here Friday morning and arrive in the early hours of Saturday.” Communication within the Fijian community she said has been made possible via the social website, Facebook and Matavuvale.com.

Nearer My God to Thee

Fiji Sun - 9 February 2010

A big thank you to England, Samoa, South Africa, New Zealand, Wales, Scotland, Canada, Kenya and the rest of the teams. Without you the games wouldn’t have been so fantastic, you gave us your best. You lifted your game and we had to lift ours to win the Wellington Sevens. We wondered if we would ever top the table again. Kenya is the most improved team and what an improvement. We had to revisit our drawing board many times trying to find the formula that comes so easy for the great Gordon Tietjens. We changed our style, we experimented, we tested –– we lost and we were ridiculed by our own people. Our fall from the top meant that you other teams had brand new drawing boards, brand new tricks, faster and bigger men. You did everything to topple us and topple you did. Even the mighty New Zealanders were cut down. We did everything, even calling on god to come down and be part of the team. Back home we debated the boys’ actions when they gestured skyward in a sign of religious commitment when they scored a try –– and they were ridiculed. But in that moment of scoring a try what euphoria and ecstasy is felt. With adrenalin pumping an athlete can do anything. I read somewhere about a professor who asked his theology class, “When is man nearest to god?” All kinds of answers were given. The professor shook his head each time. One even said, “When we go to church and confess our sins.” The professor shook his head. The students were stunned, what other answer is possible and waited for the professor’s answer. “When we are in ecstasy” he said. We often call on god at that moment. He could be true. I have no answer. I wonder if that explains the religious gestures, because scoring a try is exhilarating, especially when you know there are cameras around. But I digress. We won in Wellington, Fiji is united. Differences are forgotten. We will do it again next week but this time hope and expectations will be higher. The grog will be sweeter. We have seen the boys play their hearts out. They tackled like men possessed and ran like greased lightning. Emosi Vucago is a tough guy. Vinaka Emosi. One of my mates said, “Boy that guy is tough.” Another said, “If he had to be eaten it would only be after a thousand hours of boiling.” But thank you Tanivula, keep the combination. Fiji is backing you, but you know what, make no promises because people can be very cruel when we lose, especially when promises are made. Talk only after the game. And my grog team was humbled when you had tears in your eyes after we beat Samoa. You showed no emotion during the game, you are indeed one cool dude. Oh, by the way, one of my mates asks if Emosi Vucago could give William Ryder some of his destructive fearlessness. If he can, Ryder will become a real force to be reckoned with, in line with the great Jonah Lomu or even better. Anyway, good luck boys and take care.

Komo Star Kolinisau Fits Well at Rover

Fiji Sun - 9 February - 2010

When young Osea Kolinisau was selected to be the rover in the Digicel National sevens side, many people doubted his abilities. However, only one man knew that he had been longing for that position, his dad Pastor Tuikoro Kolinisau. Pastor Kolinisau revealed that his son came to him when the team was in camp and asked that he pray that he be given the position. “The only thing I told him was to give it his best shot because what people didn’t know was that Osea was selected for the rover’s position after the Marist 7s two years back.” That was when young Kolinisau was playing for their church club. When the opportunity came up before the Wellington tournament after Nasoni Roko and Lepani Nabuliwaqa were ruled out due to injury, His dad told him that his time has arrived. “I told him, now is the opportunity for you to play at rover and you need to take it.” Pastor Kolinisau said his son always had the never give up attitude and this helped him to talk his son into keeping a positive mindset that he was the best in that position. “I told him, if you take it no matter what the people say, know that you are the best, take the field and prove it to everyone.” His dad’s word was one thing that lingered in the Komo flyer’s heart what he achieved did not come as a surprise to his dad. Pastor Kolinisau is proud of what his son was able to show and reveals why Osea never forgets to point to the skies when he scores a try. “I told him that his talent was God-given and he needs to acknowledge God because when he goes out into the world to play, he is a representative of God and his Kingdom.” Like any loving parent to his son, Pastor Kolinisau has heard a lot of what people have said about his son especially when he was given the rover’s position. “I only wish people will go and watch him when he trains, he has the never give up attitude and always wants to be first in everything and Tanivula knows that.” Of all his six kids, Pastor Tui as he is affectionately known said Osea was the active one since he was a child. He revealed that from home, Osea never wants to be second best in anything and his dad believes that this is the virtue that has taken him to the level he is in today. “But I always tell him that sometimes some people will be the best and he needs to accept it if he knows he gave his best.” “I told him this so that he won’t be disappointed when others vouch to be the better than him.” “Osea is self motivated, he does not need people to push him to do things and he keeps to any programme given to him.” Before Kolinisau left for Wellington he told his dad that he now feels comfortable after going through the sevens circuit last year. “I told him that he needs to make good use of the development FRU has done and it was his time to stand up and show his worth.” Pastor Tui knew in his heart that this was the season for the National Sevens side which he told them while they were at camp in Sigatoka during the New Year. “I told them there was a season for everything and it was up to them to believe it and tune themselves up mentally.” But no matter what Pastor Tui believes in, his wife, Osea’s mother always feels reluctant to watch his son on the field of play. Knowing this, Osea told his mum to watch all their games because they were going to win in Wellington and he will be the top try-scorer in the tournament. So for the man behind Osea’s achievement, he knew that once Osea had that in mind, it was possible for him to reach his goal.

Fiji Winning 7s In Top Gear

Fiji Sun - 8 February 2010

The spectacular rugby display of the flamboyant Fiji 7s team at the Wellington 7s over the weekend signaled the Emosi Vugaco captained team is in top gear. The Digicel sponsored national 7s team has been consistent in their performance during the last three IRB 7s tournaments and the boys are expected to move up another notch this weekend according to their mentor Iliesa Tanivula. Fiji has been consistent during the last three tournaments, they lost in the semi- final at Dubai, lost in the final of the George 7s before winning the Wellington in their third IRB 7s tournaments attempt this season. And with the Las Vegas 7s title up for grab this weekend the national 7s players will be hitting top gear as they strive to add their name as the first winners of the newly introduced Las Vegas 7s tournament. Tanivula said the boys must again move up a notch this weekend as all teams would be gunning for the top award. “We need to move up a notch in Las Vegas,” he said. “I think the boys know what is expected of them and we will do our best in the next tournament.” Another improvement seen on this team was that none of the players have been cautioned with either yellow or red card during the last three tournaments which showed the discipline of the players. “Discipline was one huge issue stressed to the boys to be mindful of,” Tanivula said. “If a player is sent on a sin bin then the team will have to shoulder extra burdened especially in defence situations. “I’m pleased with the boys on how they responded well to their discipline which I think is a plus for us. “All we need to do is to maintain discipline,” he added. Meanwhile, the national 7s team was hosted by the Fijian community in Wellington after the thanksgiving church service yesterday afternoon. Team manager Alifereti Malo said the support they had in Wellington has been tremendous. The team leaves Wellington this afternoon for Las Vegas.