The Fiji U20 women’s team has returned home after competing in their first FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup held in Colombia.
Although the team faced tough opponents and suffered significant losses in the group stage—losing 11-0 to France, 9-0 to Brazil, and 9-0 to Canada—their participation marks an important achievement for Fijian football.
Defender Angeline Rekha expressed her feelings about the journey, stating, “It’s a dream come true because hardly anyone gets qualified for it. People make sacrifices just to reach there.” The qualification came as a surprise to many, including the players, who felt their dedication had finally been rewarded.
Rekha highlighted the necessity of physical fitness and the ability to adjust to the fast pace of international matches. She mentioned, “For me, it was important to stay fit and to cope with the speed in the game. I wished for my team to get the tempo of the play.”
Despite the challenging scores, the tournament offered the Young Kulas vital exposure to the international arena, enriching their experience and deepening their understanding of high-level football.