Taniela Waqa set to retire at the end of the year

37-year-old Labasa midfielder, Taniela Waqa is set to bring an end to his stellar 22-year soccer career at the end of this year.

Waqa played an instrumental role for Labasa as they successfully defended their Courts IDC title yesterday after they beat Lautoka 2-1.

Waqa who started playing soccer in 1998, won gold with the Fiji team during the 2003 South Pacific Games at the ANZ Stadium.

He began his soccer career with the Lautoka General soccer club and has played for Lautoka, Nadroga, Navua and Labasa.

Waqa says soccer is in his blood as his father Viliame Waqa and elder brothers Bakalevu Mocemereke and Maika Waqa also played soccer.

He attended Lautoka Muslim Primary School and Tilak High School and his favourite overseas soccer player is Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

On the local front, Waqa says his favourite soccer player is Ba’s Malakai Tiwa.

Waqa adds that former Nadi defender Marika Namaqa and current Lautoka midfielder Zibraaz Sahib are the toughest players he has faced.

He says he will discuss with his family what his next steps will be.

Waqa is expected to play the remaining Vodafone Premier League matches and the Fiji FACT.