Three members of Fiji’s women’s national football team have begun a significant journey by departing for New Zealand to participate in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Player Placement Program. Adi Lita Bakaniceva, Maria Veronica, and Caroline Qalivere will be joining Eastern Suburbs AFC in Auckland for a two-week high-performance training experience before they rejoin their national teammates in Papua New Guinea.
Accompanied by team manager Tulia Tuidama, the three players are expected to gain invaluable insights and exposure to high-level professional football structures, enhancing their competitive edge. Tuidama expressed appreciation to both OFC and Eastern Suburbs for providing this unique opportunity, stating that it allows the players to elevate their performance standards through hands-on experience and high-intensity training environments.
“This is an excellent opportunity for our players to experience a professional football environment and raise their performance standards,” Tuidama commented. She emphasized the importance of practical international experience in developing their skills further.
The OFC Player Placement Program is dedicated to offering promising athletes from the Pacific region the chance to train with professional clubs, effectively bridging the gap between local competitions and international standards. The program reflects the increasing acknowledgment of the talent emerging from Fiji and the broader Pacific.
Fiji Football Association President Rajesh Patel praised the players for their hard work and highlighted the crucial role of collaborative efforts with international organizations in advancing women’s football in Fiji. He expressed pride in their commitment and dedication, underlining the importance of such opportunities in raising the standard of the sport across the region.
This initiative bodes well for the future of women’s football in Fiji, as it cultivates an environment where female athletes can thrive, aspire to higher levels of competition, and gain greater recognition on a global scale. The involvement in this program not only enhances the individual capabilities of the players but also inspires the next generation of female footballers in Fiji to pursue their dreams of competing at professional levels.
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