Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) president Rajesh Patel expressed significant disappointment regarding the Fijian women’s national football team, known as the Kulas, following their performance at the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Nations Cup. During a recent council meeting held in Vatuwaqa, Patel highlighted the team’s struggles and the need for potential coaching changes, particularly emphasizing issues in performance and strategy.
Patel mentioned that substantial investments had been made to bring six overseas players to bolster the Kulas, yet only a few, including standout player Cema Nasau, saw significant playtime. The team finished fourth overall, battling against Samoa in a third-place playoff where they lost 2-0 at the HFC Bank Stadium.
In light of this performance, Patel indicated that the board is actively reviewing coach Angeline Chua’s contract, which runs until February 2026. He stated, “We will seriously need to re-look at replacing the coach before the women’s World Cup qualifier in November.”
This sentiment isn’t coincidental; the Kulas had faced considerable challenges throughout the tournament, reminiscent of previous matches where they also struggled to convert scoring opportunities. Their latest match against Papua New Guinea in the semifinals revealed defensive vulnerabilities, as they ultimately lost 2-1, a reflection of ongoing operational issues within the team.
On a more positive note, Patel took the opportunity to congratulate the newly appointed executive members of Fiji FA, promoting a sense of renewal and potential growth within the sport. The focus remains not only on addressing immediate performance concerns but also on developing the infrastructure to foster women’s football in Fiji, hence providing a brighter outlook for future female athletes.
It’s crucial for the Kulas to leverage the support of their community and the federation while embodying resilience as they prepare for upcoming challenges. The recent struggles can serve as a catalyst for constructive changes that aim to uplift and advance women’s football in Fiji, inspiring the next generation of female players in the region.
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