The Digicel Fiji Young Kulas encountered their greatest difficulty at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, facing a staggering 11-0 defeat against France in their last pool match this past Saturday.
Although the team did not manage to win in any of their pool encounters, they remain hopeful and proud of their accomplishments.
Reflecting on their journey, 19-year-old Priya Singh expressed her pride in the team’s resilience and determination. She highlighted the invaluable lessons and experiences gained from competing with some of the world’s leading teams.
“After the match, I can confidently say I’m proud of the girls. This is our first time in the tournament, and I believe they put up a tough fight until the end. I’m really thankful for this opportunity,” Singh stated.
She views this tournament as a crucial step for the team’s growth and future endeavors.
“It has truly been a learning experience for us, playing against world-class teams. This is a fantastic opportunity and we will take away many lessons from our first World Cup,” she added.
As the team readies to return to Fiji next week, they will be bolstered by the addition of three players—goalkeeper Aliana Vakaloloma and forwards Asenaca Naio and Elesi Tabunase, along with defender Aleeza Raza, who currently plays in Australia.