Tears filled Teonia Levuiciva’s eyes as she became emotional while standing before her teammates after being named captain of the Fiji Young Kulas for the OFC Girls Under-16 Championship in Samoa. This announcement came during their farewell ceremony held at the Fiji Football Academy in Suva.
Although Levuiciva may not have the most experience on the team, she was chosen to wear the captain’s armband—a role she confessed she did not expect. “I did not expect to be named captain for this championship; it never really appeared to me that I would be captain,” she shared. “I was always encouraging the other senior players in the team, telling them they would be named captain. But when my name was called out today, I was really surprised.”
Levuiciva, who often feels homesick when away from her family, has been preparing mentally for the tournament over the past few days. The team has since departed for Samoa, where they will face Tahiti in their opening match scheduled for Friday at 10 AM.
Notably, a similar announcement was made recently where sixteen-year-old Annie May from Savusavu FC was appointed as captain of the Digicel Fiji Junior Kulas for the upcoming OFC U-16 Women’s Championship. Alongside vice-captain Ulamila Rasovsova, May and her team prepare to compete against various teams from the region.
The forthcoming matches in both tournaments showcase the rising talent in Fiji’s youth sports scene, signifying hope for the future of women’s football in the Pacific. As these young athletes step onto the field, it’s a testament to their determination and the support of their communities. The journey ahead is filled with opportunities for growth, camaraderie, and the chance to inspire others.
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