Fiji’s women’s coach, Angeline Chua, acknowledges the challenges ahead as the team prepares for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. The Young Kulas have made history as the first Fijian women’s team to qualify for a world event, establishing themselves as a significant presence in regional football.
The team is set to compete against formidable opponents including Brazil, France, and Canadain a tough draw. Chua expressed excitement about the chance to face some of the best teams globally but remains grounded in her expectations. “We know how difficult it will be,” she stated, recognizing that all their competitors are ranked among the top ten in senior football.
Chua highlighted the journey to this moment, emphasizing the importance of the opportunity for Fijian players, especially since they triumphed over teams like New Caledonia to secure their place in the tournament. Initially, their dreams were dashed after finishing as runners-up to New Zealand in the 2023 OFC U-19 Women’s Championship due to a limited allocation for Oceania. However, an expansion of the tournament allowed for one additional spot, enabling Fiji’s participation in Medellin.
With 18 of the 21 squad members based in Fiji, Chua is hopeful that the team’s three overseas players, particularly Talei Moodie, currently excelling in the U.S. college football scene, will enhance the squad’s capabilities. Following a narrow loss to Costa Rica in a recent warm-up match, confidence is building that the team can be competitive in Colombia, but Chua ensures expectations remain realistic.
The coach outlined two primary goals for the tournament: scoring their first-ever goal in World Cup play and maintaining strong defensive efforts against their opponents. “We recognize that we might spend a significant portion of the game on defense, so we’ve been focusing our training in that area,” she noted.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by teams from the region, Chua pointed to New Zealand’s recent milestone in securing their first victory in a senior World Cup match as a reminder of the hurdles they too must overcome. She emphasized a focus on resilience, teamwork, and keeping the score low for as long as possible as they prepare to face Brazil, Canada, and France.
Fiji’s matches are scheduled to kick off against Brazil this Sunday at 11 AM, followed by a game against Canada on September 4 at 1 PM, and concluding with a match against France on September 7 at 1 PM.
The squad consists of Meresaini Waqali, Ema Mereaia, Adi Bakaniceva, Seruwaia Laulaba, Caroline Qalivere, Talei Moodie, Kasanita Tabua, Preeya Singh, Narieta Leba, Elesi Tabunase, Sereana Naweni, Pijila Kilawaca, Sonia Alfred, Adi Naiveli, Asela Cokanasiga, Evivi Buka, Asenaca Naio, Katarina Nailele, Angeline Rekha, Aliana Vakaloloma, and Emily Esposito.