At just 16 years old, Josaia Raikoso takes immense pride in representing Fiji as a member of the Baby Bula Boys during the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Tahiti. Born in Scotland to Fijian parents who served in the British Army, Raikoso has fully embraced his Fijian roots since joining the national team.
Growing up in the UK, his family has a strong rugby background, with his two younger sisters and brother all choosing to play rugby union, often prompting questions about his choice to pursue football instead. “In England, people frequently ask why I’m playing football when my dad is so involved in rugby,” Raikoso noted.
His journey in football began at school, where he received a scout’s attention and subsequently trained with Leicester City’s Elite squad. Raikoso was signed by Nottingham Forest after a six-week trial, but after facing a knee injury, he moved to clubs like Lincoln and Mansfield. Now focusing on his GCSEs, he plans to return to football this summer.
The opportunity to join the Baby Bula Boys arose when Raikoso’s family saw recruitment posts from the Fijian FA on social media. He expressed excitement about representing his country and reached out to Fijian coach Sunil Kumar.
Raikoso’s first trip to Fiji, which he experienced as an infant, was emotional as he connected with his heritage. He described learning to prepare traditional dishes and engaging in cultural activities that are uncommon in the UK. “The boys welcomed me with open arms, making me feel right at home,” he said.
He appreciates the close-knit atmosphere within the team, highlighting the devotion sessions where players unite in song before and after games. Raikoso recalled a poignant moment before a match against Cook Islands, moved to tears by the experience of representing Fiji.
The Baby Bula Boys aim to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar next year, with three OFC teams advancing. Raikoso expressed confidence in his teammates, emphasizing their potential to achieve this goal. Fiji is set to face Tahiti in the semi-finals; a victory will secure their World Cup spot, while a loss would offer a second chance through a playoff.
Looking ahead, Raikoso aspires to become a professional footballer but is aware that improvements are necessary. He identified areas for growth, particularly in aerial dueling and highlighted his strengths in passing and defensive skills.