The Digicel Young Kulas, Fiji’s U20 women’s football team, are set to begin their international tour, which will take them to the United States and Costa Rica, ultimately leading to Colombia for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup at the end of the month.
The team received their jerseys for the World Cup during a special ceremony held on Thursday night. The jerseys, featuring traditional Fijian designs, celebrate the nation’s culture and identity.
Adi Litia Bakaniceva has been named the team’s captain, with Angie Rekha serving as vice-captain.
Sports World has provided the team with Puma footwear, and Kappa, the official manufacturer, supplied kits that include jerseys designed with traditional Fijian Masi patterns and additional outfits for the players.
Vinod Kumar, General Manager of Sports World, expressed his pride in supporting the team and wished them success. He noted, “We have always sponsored male teams, but we didn’t hesitate when asked to support the National Women’s team. We committed to providing our girls with the best, and I am confident they will bring glory to Fiji.”
Naziah Ali Krishna, the Team Head of Delegation, highlighted the importance of the upcoming tour and competition. “We have just returned from a training camp in Australia, backed by the local community and the Fijian High Commission, along with the Australia Fiji Football Incorporation, who were very supportive,” she stated.
The Digicel Young Kulas’ journey includes 10 days of matches and training in San Francisco and Sacramento before heading to Costa Rica for friendly matches against Costa Rica and Morocco. These experiences are aimed at improving their skills and gaining necessary exposure before the World Cup.
Fiji is placed in a challenging group with Brazil, Canada, and France, with their first match scheduled for August 31 in Medellin, Colombia, against Brazil.
The team presented their i-Tatau to Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, on the eve of their departure for San Francisco.