Anastacia Shum Cottrell-Manumanunitoga, the Fiji Bulikula representative, is ecstatic to be returning to Fiji after a nine-year absence, eager to compete for her nation and family this weekend.
The 23-year-old expresses pride in representing both the Bulikula team and her hometown of Wainimakutu in Namosi on an international platform. “I am very excited to play this weekend and to represent my country. Playing for Fiji is what matters most, so all the players will be giving their best against our opponents, the Cook Islands,” she stated.
Having returned home, Manumanunitoga looks forward to reconnecting with her family, as it has been a significant time since their last meeting. Raised in Australia, she frequently visits her family in Fiji and felt a wave of emotion upon seeing them this week. “It was an emotional moment for me, seeing my family this week, and I’m so excited to play in front of them and do my best,” she shared.
Coming from a family with a rugby league heritage, her older brother Tevita Cottrell and brother-in-law Isaac Lumelume have both represented Fiji in the sport. “My older brother Tevita Cottrell played for the Fiji Bati in 2018, and my brother-in-law Isaac Lumelume represented the country in 2019. So, I will be the first girl to represent the family, to play for my country and Bulikula, and I’m happy.”
She added, “No matter the outcome this weekend, we are all proud to be wearing the Fiji jersey and showcasing our family heritage.”
The Bulikula will take on the Cook Islands Moana at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
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