The Digicel Young Kulas, Fiji’s U20 women’s football team, are set to begin their international tour with a trip to the United States and Costa Rica, culminating in participation in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia at the end of the month.
During a ceremony held on Thursday night, the team received their jerseys for the World Cup. These jerseys feature traditional Fijian designs that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and unique identity.
Midfielder Adi Litia Bakaniceva has been appointed as the team captain, with defender Angie Rekha serving as vice-captain.
The team has been outfitted with Puma boots and runners by Sports World, while Kappa, the official apparel manufacturer, has provided kits that include jerseys adorned with traditional Fijian Masi patterns and additional off-field outfits.
Vinod Kumar, General Manager of Sports World, expressed his pride in supporting the team. He stated, “We’ve been sponsoring all the male teams, but this time we did not hesitate when the call came for the National Women’s team. It was our commitment to provide our girls with the best equipment. I wish the team all the best, and I am confident you will bring glory to Fiji.”
According to Naziah Ali Krishna, Team Head of Delegation, the international tour and competition hold significant importance. She mentioned, “We just returned from a training camp in Australia and received tremendous support from the local community and specifically from the Fijian High Commission and Australia Fiji Football Incorporation.”
The Digicel Young Kulas will spend ten days in the US, where they will participate in matches and training sessions in San Francisco and Sacramento. Following that, they will head to Costa Rica for a week to play international friendlies against the hosts and Morocco. This tour aims to bolster their skills and provide vital experience before the World Cup.
Fiji is drawn in a challenging group alongside Brazil, Canada, and France, with their opening match scheduled for August 31 in Medellín, Colombia, against Brazil.
The team also presented their i-Tatau to the President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, before departing for San Francisco.