The Fiji U20 women’s team has returned home after participating in their inaugural FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. They faced considerable challenges during the group stages, suffering significant defeats—11-0 to France, 9-0 to Brazil, and 9-0 against Canada. However, their journey to the World Cup marks a significant achievement for Fijian football.
Defender Angeline Rekha expressed her feelings about the experience, stating, “It’s a dream come true because hardly anyone gets qualified for it. People make sacrifices just to reach there.” The team’s qualification was unexpected for many, including the players, who felt their dedication had finally been rewarded.
Rekha highlighted the importance of maintaining physical fitness and adapting to the intense pace of international competition. She noted, “For me, it was important to stay fit and to cope with the speed in the game. I wished for my team to get the tempo of the play.”
Despite the heavy losses, the tournament offered the Young Kulas invaluable exposure to the international stage, improving their experience and understanding of high-level football.