Football
THE MAN who helped plot one of the most embarrassing losses in Socceroos history has joined the Yoogali Football Club.
In a huge coup for local football, former Fijian international captain Abraham Watkins has agreed to become YFC's new head coach in the Griffith District Football Association this season.
And in a further boost Watkins' two sons Archie and Sitiveni, both current Fijian national team members will also pull on YFC colours this season as players.
Watkins was the skipper of Fiji back in 1988, when the tiny island nation claimed a stunning 1-0 upset win over Australia in an Oceania qualifier for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, held in Italy.
While the Socceroos recovered from that shocking result in the second leg of the tie with a 5-1 victory on home soil, Watkins went on to become a national icon of Fiji, a country better known for its exploits in rugby union.
YFC's bold move to bring the Watkins family to Griffith has been in the pipeline for months, and club president John Sergi said he was delighted to finally confirm the triple-signing after weeks of visa wrangles.
"He is probably the best coach that's ever come to Griffith. It's huge," Sergi said.
"The boys are that excited it's not funny.
"This will be a terrific thing for not only the club but sport in the city."
Watkins remains the only footballer in the history of Fiji to have won the prestigious Fiji Sportsman of the Year award.
Eldest son Archie, 23, is a utility player with a keen eye for goal while Sitiveni is a right-back, with the pair set to become key players for Yoogali FC this season.
The family is expected to land in Australia tomorrow and will arrive in Griffith on Wednesday, with a welcoming party set to be held on the night at the Yoogali Club.
All registered players and their families are welcome.