Young Kulas confident: Chua

The Fijian under 19 women’s football team are putting in the hard yards in training at Albert Park, Suva in preparation for the OFC Under 19 women’s championship held at the HFC Bank Stadium.

The tournament starts today with Pool A matches at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Fiji is in Group B alongside Defending champions New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Speaking to Sunsports, Young Kulas’ coach Angeline Chua said the team had been in camp for six weeks.

“We are quite confident heading into the competition knowing we have a tough group as we’re meeting New Zealand the defending champions in the group stage,” she said.

Chua said she faced a few challenges in preparation as some of the players had to attend school while in camp.

“We had players from the Western, Northern and Southern, the girls had to temporarily switch schools in the Southern part of the country while in camp,” she said.

Chua said at the start of the talent identification zone the players struggled with passing but now the team has improved.

“The aim is to qualify for the U20 women’s world cup so we are going to set the goal high,” she said. Chua urged fans to turn up in numbers and support the team on Thursday at HFC Bank Stadium.

“Fiji is a sports nation with rugby culture and people like to be outdoor and when we carry out development programs in the villages we can see boys and girls playing together which is good development platform for girls,” she said. Under 19 young Kula’s midfielder Ema Mereia said she’ll try her best to perform well on the field against

New Zealand on Thursday.

“It was a good experience to be gelled with the players from other districts in camp as we learn from each other,” she said.

Mereia said she loves to play soccer as she gets a lot of opportunities such as traveling.

“With hard work, I believe we can win against New Zealand as we’re trying to minimize on our mistakes,” she said.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Mereseni Waqali, Rosalain Sarahphina, and Auhtum Leeves Lisa Underwood Defenders: Sereana Naweni, Asela Verevoli Cokanasiga, Pijila Kilawaca, Rebecca Natallie Jane Mcgoon,

Adi Raijeli Urucala Mateni, Evivi Buka, Angeline Rekha, and Risha Janwsi Naresh.

In the midfield: Adi Litia Labalaba Muanivanua Bakaniceva, Rosi Marama, Luse Drusa Ratulele, Ema Mereia, Seruwaia Watirasarau Laulaba, Irinieta Wati, and Preeya Chandra Singh.

Frontline: Seini Lusia Narawa Vulagi, Narieta Leba, Timaima Ana, Kasinita Taufa Tabua, Laisani Waqanavanua O’Connor, Sonia Lavenia Alfred, Nisita Niyati Bhan, and Talica Tagi.

Captain: Adi Litia Bakaniceva and co-captains Angeline Rekha and Mereseni Waqali.

Photo: Sereana Salalo Members of the Nasinu women’s rugby team and team management were hosted by the Ram Sami and Sons staff at the Wallason Foods head office in Valelevu, Nasinu on June 20, 2023. Nasinu rugby was also presented a $7k cheque as part of its $40k yearly sponsorship which was signed last year as part of a five year agreement.