Fiji’s women’s football team is celebrating a groundbreaking achievement with the signing of Angie Rekha, who has become the first locally-based player to secure a contract in the New Zealand Women’s National League. Rekha has signed a one-year deal with Western Springs AFC in Auckland and departed from Nadi last Saturday to begin this new chapter in her football career.
Rekha expressed her excitement about the opportunity, stating, “I’m looking forward to gaining exposure and experiencing soccer at an international level. This will help me develop my skills and techniques.” She emphasized the importance of this contract, describing it as “an opportunity of a lifetime” and a significant milestone for women’s soccer in Fiji.
Rekha’s football career began with Ba Women’s FC, where she honed her skills, later joining the Fiji senior women’s team. In late 2022, she played for Rewa FC, further refining her abilities before making this international move. Her capabilities were highlighted during her participation in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, where she played a key role as a central defender. Her performances caught the attention of Western Springs head coach Maia Vink, who recruited her for the club.
Fiji FA West vice-president, Naziah Ali, remarked that the focus of the Fiji FA is on raising the profile of Fijian women footballers, making them attractive prospects for overseas clubs and enabling them to secure professional contracts.
This development marks a positive turning point for women’s football in Fiji, paving the way for future players to seek opportunities abroad and elevate the level of the sport on a global scale. The growth of female athletes like Rekha illustrates a promising future for women’s soccer in the region and inspires aspiring footballers at home.
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