Photo Credit Fiji FA
Words: Avikash Chand, Fijian FA
The Fiji Women’s Football side is determined to go one step further than the last time they chased a place at the Olympics.
The Fijian Kulas squad has been named for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament – Oceania Qualifier which kicks off in Apia, Samoa on Wednesday (7 February).
Fiji reached the final of the last Olympic qualifier in 2020, losing to New Zealand in New Caledonia.
Head coach Angeline Chua has expressed her satisfaction with the current squad.
“We have 23 players in the squad, inclusive of one overseas based player Preeya Singh, and we are happy to have her join us,” said Chua.
“The squad is a mix of top senior players from the South Pacific Games and the best performers from the Young Kulas Team.” Chua added.
Three former players are also named in the squad after returning from Australia, where they spent a year playing in a third-division team.
Koleta Likuculacula, Seruwaia Vasuitoga, and Adi Anasimeci Volitikoro are expected strengthen the squad along with US-based Singh.
Chua says the Australian based trio brings with them a wealth of experience, which is greatly beneficial to the team.
Chua highlighted the positive bonding between both generations of players and the mentorship role of senior players in guiding the younger ones in terms of culture within the camp.
She shared the team’s aim to top their group which features matches against Pacific Games champions Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and American Samoa.
The coach emphasised the need to win all their matches and score plenty of goals.
This strategic approach is aimed at potentially facing defending champions New Zealand in the later stages of the competition.
Player to watch.
Preeya Singh-Singh is one of the United States-based players who made her debut for the Fijian U-19 side during the OFC Women’s U-19 Championship in Suva last year.
The 19-year-old midfielder earned her name during the U-19 Championship with her speed and skills and scored goals in the tournament and was named the Player of the Match on Day two in Fiji.
The full squad is as follows:
Seruwaia Vasuitoga
Filomena Racea
Adi Litia Bacaniceva
Asela Cokansiga
Adi Anasimeci Manutawake
Cema Nasau
Koleta Matamanitvuto
Preeya Singh
Elesi Tabunase
Luisa Tamani Tamanitoakula
Kasanita Taufa
Pijila Kaliwaca
Evivi Buka
Unaisi Tuberi
Seruwaia Laulaba
Sofi Diyalowai
Narieta Leba
Ema Mareia
Angeline Rekha
Selai Grace Tikoisuva
Sisilia Kuladina
Mereseni Waqali
Sonia Alfred