The Fiji Times

Davis inks new deal in Israel

- ■ ■ FIJI FA MEDIA

home on June 2. Davis gave the entire credit of her internatio­nal stardom to former Fiji national coach Christophe Gamel who has also helped her to secure the contract.

“I have always been in touch with Gamel and he always said that he had seen potential in me and he knew I was very passionate about the game and going far. I always told him I want to make it profession­al and one day and he always told me to be patient.

“Gamel reached out to me in January and asked if I was interested in playing profession­ally in Israel and that an agent will call me, and then we started the whole process. I signed until June, I will be home back in Seattle in June,” Davis added.

Trina, who is a daughter of Vikashni of Veiseisei, Lautoka and Scott Davis of Kirkland in Washington, made her debut for Fiji in the OFC Nations Cup in Vanuatu as a 16-year-old.

She finished the competitio­n by winning the Golden Boot award after netting nine goals.

The 19-year-old signed a profession­al contract with Israel based ASA Tel Aviv earlier this month and left to join the club on Friday.

Davis added that it was like a dream come true for her.

“I’ve never felt more thankful and blessed, one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt, it’s been a dream to play profession­ally ever since I was a little girl and now look at me, I’m 19 and I signed my first profession­al contract.

“At the age of 16, I was playing for the Fiji women’s national team. It feels surreal, I never imagined to actually be where I am so young but being in the position I am now, my dreams came true, this is everything I’ve ever wanted.

“Of course it wasn’t easy, there were multiple challenges I had faced but it only made me stronger. Football is my love and my passion, if I’m able to do what I love, If I’m able to inspire kids, be a role model, and I get to have fun with it.

“This is the best blessing from God. I can’t thank God enough for everything

and for being where I am,” Davis added.

FA president Rajesh Patel congratula­ted Davis for her milestone achievemen­t in becoming the first Fijian female profession­al footballer.

Patel said it was good news and a positive boost for the other Fijian women footballer­s and it was a proud moment for Fiji as Trina was the first national women’s team player to sign a profession­al contract.

“As we kick-start the Women’s Super League this year, this will encourage our female footballer­s to take up the challenge. Davis is a good role model for many women footballer­s here in the country.”

She also affiliated with Tel Aviv University. The club won eight Ligat Nashim titles and five Israeli Women’s Cup finals, and had participat­ed in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

 ??  ?? FIJIAN wonderboy Roy Krishna continues to make headlines worldwide with his heroic performanc­e in the Hero Indian Super League.
On Monday, the Siberia, Labasanati­ve bagged the Fans’ Goal of the Week in Round 20 for his solo run and calm finish against SC East Bengal.
For this same Kolkata Derby against East Bengal, Krishna scooped his 6th Hero of the Match
for his outstandin­g performanc­e with a classic finish, two assists, two shots on target and four chances created.
Speaking to Fiji FA Media from Goa, the national team captain dedicated his award to all his loving fans.
“I’m really happy to win the award,” he said.
“I would like to dedicate it to all the football fans in Fiji and abroad especially those who wake up early to watch my games on tv.
“I want to thank them for all their support.”
The current leader of the Golden Boot race is putting his focus on the upcoming two-legged semi-finals against Northeast United.
“Playing during the pandemic comes with its challenges but I’m grateful to have the opportunit­y to play.
“The season is coming to an end and I’m looking forward to coming back home.
FIJIAN wonderboy Roy Krishna continues to make headlines worldwide with his heroic performanc­e in the Hero Indian Super League. On Monday, the Siberia, Labasanati­ve bagged the Fans’ Goal of the Week in Round 20 for his solo run and calm finish against SC East Bengal. For this same Kolkata Derby against East Bengal, Krishna scooped his 6th Hero of the Match for his outstandin­g performanc­e with a classic finish, two assists, two shots on target and four chances created. Speaking to Fiji FA Media from Goa, the national team captain dedicated his award to all his loving fans. “I’m really happy to win the award,” he said. “I would like to dedicate it to all the football fans in Fiji and abroad especially those who wake up early to watch my games on tv. “I want to thank them for all their support.” The current leader of the Golden Boot race is putting his focus on the upcoming two-legged semi-finals against Northeast United. “Playing during the pandemic comes with its challenges but I’m grateful to have the opportunit­y to play. “The season is coming to an end and I’m looking forward to coming back home.
 ?? Picture: RNZ ?? Trina Davis.
Picture: RNZ Trina Davis.

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