The Fiji Young Kulas are set to make history tomorrow as they take the pitch in Colombia, becoming the first Fijian women’s team to compete at a FIFA World Cup event. Coached by Angeline Chua, the team will face off against the formidable Brazil at Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín.
Their journey in Group B is challenging, as they will also contend with powerhouse teams like France and Canada. Despite the pressure, assistant coach Annette Nainima shared that the team is both “excited and nervous” about the opportunity. “Most of them have only watched the Women’s Under-20 World Cup on TV, cheering for their favorite teams. Now, to be playing against Brazil and Canada is monumental for them,” she stated.
Fiji’s path to the World Cup began in October when FIFA expanded the U-20 Women’s World Cup format from 16 to 24 teams. The team previously competed in the OFC qualifying tournament, where they secured a second-place finish behind New Zealand in the 2023 OFC U-19 Women’s Championship in July. The expansion allowed Fiji to join New Zealand in Colombia, a moment of pride for the nation.
Nainima noted the tremendous support from their football federation back home, highlighting the enthusiasm from the CEO, who ensured the team had everything they needed for the tournament.
To prepare for the World Cup, the team had a rigorous training regimen, including a camp in Canberra, with stops in the United States and Costa Rica for friendly matches. This preparatory phase served as an eye-opening experience for the squad, exposing them to various playing styles and approaches from teams around the globe.
They were particularly struck by the resources available to other teams, as Nainima explained, “They were shocked to see so many coaches and staff with other teams. Coming from a small country, it’s significant for us to witness this level of organization.”
The majority of the Young Kulas are based in Fiji, with many participating in this year’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament. They also sought to enhance their squad by including players from the Fijian diaspora in the United States, such as 15-year-old goalkeeper Aliana Vakaloloma and Fullerton Titans player Talei Moodie, who joined the team in recent weeks.
Nainima expressed that integrating new players was a priority for the coaches. Fortunately, they were pleasantly surprised by the seamless camaraderie that developed upon Moodie’s arrival. “It was as if the girls had known her for years, instantly connecting and sharing stories,” she said, noting the positive impact Moodie has had on the team.
The Young Kulas’ first match against Brazil is set for 11 am Fiji time on Sunday, September 1, followed by a game against Canada at 1 pm on Wednesday, September 4, and a final game against France at 10 am on Saturday, September 7.