The Fiji Young Kulas are set to make history as the first Fijian women’s team to compete in a FIFA World Cup event, facing Brazil in Colombia tomorrow. Coached by Angeline Chua, the team will play at Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín.
The Young Kulas have a challenging start, placed in Group B with Brazil, France, and Canada. Assistant coach Annette Nainima shared that the players are filled with excitement and nerves. “For many of them, they’ve only watched the Under-20 Women’s World Cup on TV, cheering for their favorite teams. Now, to face powerhouses like Brazil and Canada is a significant milestone for them,” she remarked.
Fiji’s journey to the World Cup began in October when FIFA expanded the U-20 Women’s World Cup format from 16 to 24 teams. Prior to that, Fiji finished as runners-up to New Zealand in the 2023 OFC U-19 Women’s Championship, securing a spot in the World Cup.
Nainima highlighted the support from their federation, noting the enthusiasm of their CEO, who ensured the team received top-notch preparations. The squad has benefitted from a comprehensive training regimen, which included a camp in Canberra and friendly matches in the USA and Costa Rica, aimed at familiarizing the players with various styles of play globally.
“This experience was eye-opening for the team,” Nainima explained. “They encountered different playing styles and coaching approaches, which was a shock for many. Coming from Fiji, where we typically have minimal coaching staff, seeing teams with extensive support was significant for us.”
The majority of the Young Kulas are based in Fiji and are part of the senior squad for the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament. They also integrated players from the Fijian diaspora in the US, including 15-year-old goalkeeper Aliana Vakaloloma and Fullerton Titans’ player Talei Moodie.
Nainima noted that despite concerns over team integration, Moodie blended seamlessly with the team, forming friendships quickly upon arrival.
Fiji will take on Brazil in their first World Cup match at 11 am on Sunday, September 1, followed by games against Canada on Wednesday, September 4, at 1 pm, and France on Saturday, September 7, at 10 am, all in Fiji time.