The Fiji Football Association’s under-19 women’s league for the 2024/2025 season was launched on Saturday at the Pacific Theological College ground in Nasese, though it faced recurring challenges due to player shortages. The league is designed to run for seven weeks, with plans for three matches every Saturday, but only one game could proceed, resulting in Tailevu Naitasiri defeating Nasinu 2-0.
The inability of Lami and Tailevu North to field teams meant that Suva and Rewa were awarded victories by default. Angeline Chua, head coach of the Fiji women’s national and U19 teams, highlighted the complications faced by Lami, which lost seven players to Nasinu, and stated that scouting new talent is essential for rebuilding the squad. Tailevu North encountered difficulties related to travel logistics, which further complicated their participation.
Chua pointed out the pressing need for more officials, as current coaches often oversee multiple age groups, adding to their workload. She proposed offering incentives to clubs that successfully maintain vibrant youth programs. With upcoming qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and the OFC Women’s Nations Cup on the horizon, selectors are closely observing the league’s prospects to identify promising players.
Despite the setbacks experienced in the league’s onset, the Fiji Football Association remains committed to its vision of developing women’s football in the region. This commitment reflects an ongoing effort to elevate the standard of play and nurture the next generation of female footballers in Fiji.
In the broader context of women’s football development, initiatives like the under-19 league and upcoming training camps are vital. Just as noted in previous articles discussing the training camps for Fiji’s under-19 women’s team, there is significant focus on nurturing young talent and providing them with professional environments to grow. The league and these training camps symbolize hope for the future of women’s sports in Fiji, with aspirations for local players to perform well at both regional and international competitions.
Overall, these developments illustrate the Fiji Football Association’s commitment to fostering a robust framework for women’s football, with the potential for significant achievements in the coming years.
Leave a comment