No substitute for hard work
Ba Rugby pays tribute to town’s icon
A WALL plaque hangs in the office of the late Vinod S Patel containing one of his favourite quotes: “There’s no substitute for hard work”, a phrase that personifies one of the many rich qualities that Vinodbhai possessed before his tragic demise earlier this month at the age of 84.
As well as being a legendary businessman from humble roots, expanding his tiny shop in Ba Main Street in 1961 to the now multifaceted and international corporation the Vinod Patel Group, Patel was a keen lover of sports. He chaired Ba Soccer for more than two decades, leading them to an unprecedented number of titles.
Just last year, he took the bold step to back the fledgling Ba Rugby Union as the province attempted to qualify for the Skipper Cup for the first time in a generation. Once Vilimoni Delasau and his players had achieved that goal, Patel then stepped up once again and led a group of sponsors who made the Ba Tikina Championships possible in October, even giving the keynote speech at the opening.
BRU secretary Pastor Gaby Kautoga explained how hard it was to sign up sponsors and that the backing from Vinod Patel and Ba Industries Ltd lifted the union’s credibility.
“Many potential sponsors didn’t even want to meet with us,” Pastor Gaby said. “And others were very skeptical because of past issues with Ba Rugby.
Even after we had qualified for this season’s Skipper Cup, several companies balked at the idea that Ba Rugby might be worth investing in.”
“Mr Patel was different. He invited us to his office for tea and sweets at Diwali, then honoured us by posing for photos with the Committee members.”
“We were so impressed – a man of his legendary status, still working in his 80s, but always keeping his feet rooted to the earth and treating everyone with the same kindness and respect.”
Patel saw that a well-supported and well-run Ba Rugby Union could have a very positive impact on the people of Ba, especially in the outlying areas and highlands.
“From today onwards, Ba will also be known as crazy, energetic, young rugby town,” he said at the Tikina launch. “In the coming years, Ba Rugby will generate excellent players for the Flying Fijians Team who will bring the Rugby World Cup to Fiji.”
“The nails manufactured by Ba Industries are tough and strong; similarly the players who come from Ba Rugby Union will be Tough as Nails.”
“With these words I would like to convey our best wishes to Ba Rugby Union, players and coach, and I request all rugby lovers to come forward and provide your 100% support to the team.”
As a fitting tribute to the great man, the Ba Originals team competing at this weekend’s McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s carry his favourite quote on the front of their jerseys – “No substitute for hard work”.
On the opening day, the Ba Originals lifted their game to defeat the USA Falcons 14-10, prompting one observer to note “Ba beat America.”
Kautoga, who is coaching the Ba 7s team in Sigatoka, as Delasau stayed back to look at the 15s team training, said that this trip was all about experience and development.
“It is hard work,” he admitted. “Allied Buses helped us with our travel, and Axellerate have provided a very professional set of uniforms, but to bring three teams down here from Ba and camp for three nights is an expensive exercise.”
“It has been well worth it for the experience alone – feeling the atmosphere at a full stadium like Lawaqa Park, mixing with the international teams, witnessing how smooth the tournament logistics are… the Coral Coast 7s is on another level altogether.”
“And today, we pay special tribute to a visionary son on Ba who came to our rescue at exactly the right time. Rest in peace, Vinodbhai.”