Fiji’s coach Angeline Chua has acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead as her team prepares for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. As the first Fijian women’s team to compete on this global stage, the Young Kulas are setting a benchmark for women’s football in the region.
Placed in a challenging group alongside football powerhouses Brazil, France, and Canada, the team will depend on their determination and confidence to perform well before an international audience. Chua expressed her excitement about this opportunity, stating, “We are realistic and we know how difficult it will be. I think we’re in the toughest group for sure, with all the teams ranked in the top ten.”
Chua, a former Singapore national representative, emphasized the significance of this achievement for Fiji, highlighting the pride that comes from being the representatives of Oceania, especially after defeating teams like New Caledonia to secure their spot in the tournament. Following a narrow loss to New Zealand in the 2023 OFC U-19 Women’s Championship, the team was initially disappointed but was later granted entry into the tournament due to an expansion allowing for an additional slot.
With most of the squad composed of local players, Chua is looking to the three overseas members to enhance the team’s performance, particularly noting the impact of Talei Moodie, who is performing well in the college football scene in the United States.
Despite a recent close match against Costa Rica, which raised hopes for competitiveness, Chua has been careful to keep expectations grounded. “We’ve been training since April to find a way to meet our dreams and expectations, but we must be realistic,” she said.
The team’s goals are modest but focused: to score their first goal in the tournament and to keep opponents from scoring for as long as possible. Chua acknowledged the tough road ahead, recognizing that even established teams like New Zealand face their own challenges on the world stage.
As Fiji gears up to face Brazil on Sunday at 11 am, followed by matches against Canada and France, the coach reiterated the importance of teamwork and resilience in their approach.
The finalized squad includes players such as Meresaini Waqali, Ema Mereaia, and Talei Moodie, among others.