Fiji’s coach Angeline Chua acknowledges the challenges ahead as her team prepares for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. The Young Kulas have made history by becoming the first Fijian women’s team, at any level, to qualify for a world event, marking them as trailblazers in the regional game.
The team has been drawn into a tough group, facing powerhouse nations such as Brazil, France, and Canada. Chua emphasized the importance of self-belief and faith as they aim to perform at their best on the world stage. She expressed excitement over the opportunity to compete against top-ranked teams, noting that all their opponents are within the top ten in senior rankings.
Chua stated, “We are realistic and we know how difficult it will be. I think we’re in the toughest group for sure.” She highlighted that this is a significant moment for Fiji, suggesting it is more advantageous for them to be representing Oceania than other nations they defeated in the qualifying rounds.
After finishing as runners-up to New Zealand at the 2023 OFC U-19 Women’s Championship, the Young Kulas initially faced disappointment, as only one spot from their region was available for the World Cup. However, with the tournament’s expansion, Fiji earned their place in Medellin.
With 18 out of 21 squad members playing domestically in Fiji, Chua is also looking to the team’s three overseas players, including Talei Moodie, who is currently excelling at the collegiate level in the United States, to enhance the squad’s performance.
A recent narrow loss against Costa Rica in a warm-up game has set a hopeful tone for their competitiveness in Colombia, yet Chua is keeping expectations realistic ahead of their first tournament at this level. She mentioned their training efforts since April, indicating a desire to realize their dreams but understanding the realities of their situation.
Chua outlined two key objectives for the tournament: firstly, to score their first goal, and secondly, to defend effectively for as long as possible in each match. “We know we will be defending a lot of the time, maybe 80 percent of the time, so we are working a lot in that area,” she added.
Recognizing the tough competition in their group, Chua pointed out that even New Zealand, who have participated for years, only recently won their first match at a senior World Cup. She conveyed a sense of realism about their goals, acknowledging that while winning a match or progressing past the group stage may be ambitious, they will focus on maintaining a low score against opponents.
Fiji’s first match is against Brazil this Sunday at 11 am, followed by a game against Canada on Wednesday, September 4, at 1 pm, and concluding the group stage against France on September 7 at 1 pm.
The Fiji squad includes: Meresaini Waqali, Ema Mereaia, Adi Bakaniceva, Seruwaia Laulaba, Caroline Qalivere, Talei Moodie, Kasanita Tabua, Preeya Singh, Narieta Leba, Elesi Tabunase, Sereana Naweni, Pijila Kilawaca, Sonia Alfred, Adi Naiveli, Asela Cokanasiga, Evivi Buka, Asenaca Naio, Katarina Nailele, Angeline Rekha, Aliana Vakaloloma, and Emily Esposito.