The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) has announced plans to replace Angeline Chua, the head coach of the senior women’s football team, the Fiji Kulas, ahead of the upcoming OFC Women’s World Cup qualifiers in November. This decision follows a disappointing performance at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup, where the Kulas finished fourth after losing three consecutive matches.
In their final group match at the HFC Bank Stadium, Fiji lost 0-1 to Vanuatu. They also suffered a 1-2 defeat against Papua New Guinea in the semi-finals and were beaten 0-2 by Samoa in the third-place playoff. During a Fiji FA Council Meeting, president Rajesh Patel expressed profound disappointment with the team’s overall performance, especially given the significant investment made to bring in six overseas-based players. He noted that only one player, Cema Nasau, consistently made an impactful contribution.
Patel highlighted the need for a coaching change by stating, “We simply had no structure at all.” He confirmed that the board has decided to review Chua’s contract, which runs until February 2026, before the qualifiers begin.
Chua acknowledged the team’s struggles but expressed hope for the future. She referred to the necessity of bringing in younger players to build a stronger foundation for the team. The Kulas have shown promise in previous events, including a strong showing in the 2022 Women’s Nations Cup, where they finished as runners-up.
Despite the recent setbacks, there remains optimism within the Fiji FA. The focus now is on restructuring the team and creating a more competitive environment for the Kulas. Initiatives are also in motion to ensure that commitments to the development of women’s football in Fiji continue to grow, potentially paving the way for a brighter future for female athletes in the sport.
This evolving situation reflects both the challenges and opportunities within women’s football in Fiji, encouraging community support and fostering growth as they prepare for future competitions. With the right adjustments and renewed focus, the Fiji Kulas can aspire to reclaim their competitive edge on the international stage.
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