Fiji’s coach Angeline Chua acknowledges the challenging journey ahead for the team at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. The Young Kulas have made history as the first Fijian women’s team to compete at a global event, marking their status as a promising contender in regional football.
The Fiji squad has been drawn into a difficult group alongside renowned teams such as Brazil, France, and Canada. Chua expressed that the team is eager yet aware of the formidable challenge they will face. “We understand how tough it will be,” she stated, referring to their placement in a group where all rivals are ranked among the world’s top ten teams.
Chua emphasized the significance of this opportunity, highlighting Fiji’s representation from Oceania over other nations such as New Caledonia, which they defeated to qualify for the World Cup. She mentioned the heartbreak they experienced after finishing as runners-up to New Zealand in the 2023 OFC U-19 Women’s Championship, but with the tournament’s expansion, Fiji was granted a spot in the event.
With a majority of the squad hailing from domestic leagues, the coach is looking to three overseas players to enhance their performance. The Young Kulas aim to deliver a competitive show in Colombia, especially after a close defeat in a recent warm-up match against Costa Rica.
Though the team has high hopes, Chua maintains realistic targets, including scoring their first-ever goal in the tournament and striving to hold opponents at bay for as long as possible. Recognizing the challenges, she cited New Zealand’s long journey to securing their first senior World Cup win last year, underscoring the difficulty of achieving their aspirations.
Fiji’s upcoming matches include a game against Brazil on Sunday, followed by contests against Canada and France on September 4 and September 7, respectively. The squad is comprised of players such as Meresaini Waqali, Ema Mereaia, and Talei Moodie, among others, as they prepare to make their mark on the world stage.