Midfielder Tora was part of the groundbreaking team that won the country’s first ever medal by finishing third at the 2007 South Pacific Games in Samoa and coach Ramesh Sharma says she is an inspiration to her fellow team mates.
The 32-year-old Nadi player will be assisted by fellow veteran Unaisi Vatulili, who has been named vice captain.
“The other players have a lot of respect for Kini and, at the same time, she has very good leadership qualities. That is why we have decided she is the best candidate to lead the side,” Sharma says.
Fiji begin their OFC Women’s Nations Cup campaign with a Group B clash against rivals Papua New Guinea next Thursday at 1pm. The other teams in the group are Solomon Islands and Tonga.
Sharma says the side have left no stone unturned in their preparations and are now trying to sharpen up to be ready for the first game.

“We will be trying out the final points like finishing and ball distribution. We still have a few days left which we need to utilise.”
Sharma has plenty of experience to call on in the shape of Tora and Vatulili but there will also be a large batch of new Fijian talent on show in Auckland.
There are nine uncapped players in the squad – Mereani Moceituba, Matelita Vuakoso, Kurukaba Ligvola, Lajipa Daini, Bella Ratubalavu, Stella Naivalulevu, Viniana Simmions, Viniana Riwai and Raijeli Lewasoqevula – and all will be jostling for a position in the starting line-up.
The 20-member squad was announced during a press conference at the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) headquarters in Suva this week and Sharma says he has picked the strongest possible side.
“We started off with 45 players three months ago and we kept on eliminating names so we did not face much difficulty in the end. I want to congratulate the players who have been selected to represent the country. We expect the best from them.”
Sharma believes Fiji’s group will be a difficult one to get out of.
“I think we are in a very tough pool but I can assure everyone that we will be no walkovers. We are using this tournament as a build up to the 2011 Pacific Games in New Caledonia and we will do our best to win the pool,” he says.
The team leaves for Auckland from Nadi airport on Sunday at 2pm.
Story and photo courtesy of Fiji FA Media.
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