Seventeen-year-old Silina Baselala, a student from Adi Cakobau School, is set to make her mark in the inaugural Na Soko Tournament, which kicks off today at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Representing the Bilibili team, she will compete alongside three other teams: Kaunitoni, Takia, and Camakau.
Silina, who is the younger sister of Fijian Drua players Noelani and Philip Baselala, initially joined rugby as a school activity but quickly developed a deep passion for the sport. Her sister’s success with the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s team serves as a significant inspiration for her, motivating Silina to pursue her own dreams of joining the Drua Women’s team and possibly playing overseas in the future.
The Na Soko Tournament is significant as it not only showcases emerging talent like Silina but also serves as a platform to bridge grassroots rugby with professional levels. This initiative is a part of Fiji Rugby’s commitment to elevate the standards of women’s rugby and provide competitive opportunities for athletes who are not currently in the elite Fijiana roster.
Today’s matches will see Kaunitoni facing Takia at 4 PM, followed by a showdown between Camakau and Bilibili at 6 PM. As anticipation builds, Silina hopes to improve her skills while learning from experienced players participating in the tournament, which promises to be a pivotal moment for women’s rugby in Fiji.
The Na Soko Tournament symbolizes a forward-thinking approach to rugby development in the region, highlighting a vibrant future for female athletes in the sport. The community’s support for this event underscores a collective effort to nurture talent and foster inclusivity within the rugby landscape. With players like Silina Baselala stepping into the limelight, the hope remains high for continued growth and success in women’s rugby in Fiji.
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