20-year-old Akinisi Sorovakula, a defender based in the US, is set to represent her Fijian heritage on the international soccer stage for the first time. Sorovakula’s journey has been marked by personal hardship and the unwavering support of her community and family, notably her older sister, who inspires her pursuit of her own dreams in football.
Hailing from Naserelagi, Ra on her father’s side and Nadi on her mother’s, Sorovakula has faced significant financial obstacles while pursuing her passion for football, particularly with the high cost of club soccer. Fortunately, a network of supportive coaches has helped to alleviate some costs, allowing her to continue playing the sport she loves.
“Club soccer is quite expensive,” Sorovakula explained. “We managed to gather like $1,000, $2,000 for at least our club, and our coach has created an organization to support girls from low-income neighborhoods in pursuing their soccer dreams.”
Having relatives in Fiji who have already reached out to her, Sorovakula is optimistic about her upcoming experiences and eager to see her family in the crowd during her matches. “I wanted to do this for my family. It’s an incredible opportunity to play for Fiji and represent my family’s name,” she said.
Her initial experience with the Fiji Kulas team has been very positive, as Sorovakula has been welcomed with open arms by her teammates, noting that the standard of football has exceeded her expectations. The Fiji Kulas are set to face the Solomon Islands at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva tomorrow at 7 pm, marking an exciting chapter for her and the team.
This emerging story of Akinisi Sorovakula reflects not only individual perseverance but also a collective ambition within the Fijian sporting community, particularly in women’s football. With ongoing support and mentorship for young athletes, there is great hope for the future development of the sport in Fiji and beyond.
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