The Fiji Young Kulas are set to make history as they compete in their first FIFA World Cup event tomorrow in Colombia. This groundbreaking moment marks the first time a Fijian women’s team has reached such a prestigious tournament. Coached by Angeline Chua, the team will face the formidable Brazilian squad at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín.
Fiji’s initial challenge comes as they are placed in Group B, which includes heavyweights like France and Canada, alongside Brazil. Assistant coach Annette Nainima expressed a mix of excitement and nerves among the players, many of whom have only watched the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on television and cheered for their favorite teams.
The team’s journey to the World Cup began in October after FIFA increased the U-20 Women’s World Cup from 16 to 24 teams. Earlier this year, they secured their place by finishing second to New Zealand during the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship in July. The expansion of the tournament provided Fiji with a chance to join New Zealand in Colombia.
Nainima acknowledged the strong support from their federation and particularly highlighted the enthusiasm of their CEO, who ensured the team had access to top resources.
In preparation for the tournament, the Young Kulas underwent a rigorous training regime that included a camp in Canberra and friendly matches in the United States and Costa Rica. Nainima described this as an enlightening experience, exposing the players to various playing styles from around the world, contrasting with their usual formations back home.
The majority of the squad consists of locally based players, many of whom are also part of the senior national team competing in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Fiji sought to enhance their roster by tapping into their diaspora in the U.S., welcoming 15-year-old goalkeeper Aliana Vakaloloma and Fullerton Titans’ player Talei Moodie in recent weeks.
Nainima noted the seamless integration between the new players and the existing squad. The chemistry was evident from their first meeting at the airport, with the girls bonding immediately.
The Young Kulas will face Brazil in their opening match at 11am on Sunday, September 1, followed by games against Canada at 1pm on Wednesday, September 4, and France at 10am on Saturday, September 7, all according to Fiji time.