Kaiviti Silktails Chairman Petero Civoniceva said the legacy of former Football Manager Jacquie Shannon would never be forgotten as the club plays the Sydney Roosters in the second annual memorial bowl match in her name on Saturday (10 August).
The two Jersey Flegg Cup (Under 21) sides will meet at the Silktails home ground of Churchill Park, Lautoka – the venue of last year’s inaugural Jacquie Shannon Memorial Bowl, won 28-10 by the Fijians over Ryde-Eastwood Hawks.
“The care factor she had for young sports people in Fiji is a major one – that’s one of her best legacies,” Civoniceva told nswrl.com.au
“She was so passionate about that and her values aligned themselves so well with our club. She was also a female official in a predominantly all-male football team and she proved that could be the norm for other sports.
“It is integral for us to remember the foundation she helped build for this club.”
Shannon, 57, died suddenly in her Sydney apartment on 18 June, 2022. The Silktails had been based at Mascot for the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to the COVID protocols and Australian border restrictions.
The Silktails are aligned to the Roosters in both Jersey Flegg Cup and Sydney Shield in the NSWRL men’s competition.
“Our connection to the Roosters meant this was an appropriate way to celebrate Jacquie,” Civoniceva said.
“And the Roosters worked closely with her so they have that more personal connection as well.
“It’s lovely we can come together as two clubs to honour her.”
The Silktails began playing the Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup in 2020. But in 2024 they entered the Jersey Flegg as they concentrated on being a development club.
“Some players will remember Jacquie but now with the development focus of the club, the majority of our players didn’t have a first-hand experience with Jacquie,” Civoniceva said.
“That’s why it’s important to carry on her legacy and the impact she had on our sport in Fiji.
“She was central in getting the Kaiviti Silktails established. She played such an important and huge part in all of that being our first Football Manager.
“The bowl allows us now and forever more to recognise Jacquie and remember her contribution.
“We also, as a club, do a lot of community work in her name. The players wear T-shirts with her image on them when they go out and do community activities.”
The Kaiviti Silktails Community Youth Program was named in Shannon’s honour last year and works closely with locals in Fiji as well as the PCYC NSW, which is the club’s Australia training base at Daceyville.
“I miss her still. She was the backbone of this club… so many people miss her,” Civoniceva said.
“She was the cog that kept everything going. It was a huge loss but we’ve kept her spirit with us.
“For me, hardly a day goes by when I don’t hear her in my head.”
