Aleeza Raza, a defender born in Australia, has been chosen to represent Fiji’s U16 team in the forthcoming OFC U-16 Women’s Championship taking place in Suva, Fiji.
At just 16 years old, Raza was born in Sydney to parents from Labasa, Fiji, with her mother originating from Bocalevu and her father from Basoga. She plays for the Southern Districts Raiders FC in Australia and carries a significant sporting legacy with her.
Football is a core part of Raza’s family history, especially in Labasa, which is renowned for its enthusiasm for the sport. In an interview, Raza expressed that her father, Ali Raza, played a pivotal role in her decision to pursue football.
“My parents inspired me to take up football, especially my dad,” Raza mentioned. “Football has been deeply rooted in our family history. My dad asked me to try it out, so we went to the park one day, and it just stuck.”
Athleticism runs in her family beyond just football; her mother’s grandfather was a professional wrestler, further contributing to Raza’s commitment to carry on this legacy.
“Representing Fiji feels amazing; it’s very emotional for me because the passion comes from a long line of ancestors, our people, and it’s something that is deeply rooted in our family. It’s a proud moment for me, my family, and friends,” she stated.
Raza acknowledges the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and environment but finds the experience at the camp fulfilling. “The culture difference is a challenge; it’s a bit hard to adapt, but everyone has been very helpful to make it easier,” she noted, appreciating the supportive environment provided by her coaches and teammates.
She also revealed that her family plans to travel from Sydney to watch her play this week.