The Fiji national U-19 women’s football team, known as the Fiji Young Kulas, has settled in Tahiti to begin their campaign at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship. The team is under the stewardship of head coach Angeline Chua, who emphasized the benefits of their early arrival, which allowed the players to acclimatize and build team cohesion.
Due to the withdrawal of Samoa, Fiji’s group consists of just three teams: Cook Islands and Tonga. The top two teams from this group will move on to the semifinals. Coach Chua has noted significant maturity among the players, largely attributed to the experience gained at the Women’s Nations Cup held in Fiji. The team aims to compete closely within their age group, aligning with their long-term goal of making an impact on the world stage.
The Young Kulas are taking a cautious approach, focusing on each match individually with the primary objective of reaching the semifinals. Their first group match is scheduled against the Cook Islands, marking the beginning of their pursuit for success in the tournament.
This year’s tournament, hosted in Tahiti from September 21 to October 4, 2025, is crucial for the Fiji Young Kulas not only as a competitive event but also as a developmental opportunity. The tournament represents a growing interest and investment in women’s football across Oceania. This engagement not only provides a stage for the Fiji Young Kulas to gain valuable international experience but also serves to inspire future generations of female footballers within the region.
As the Fiji Young Kulas prepare to showcase their talents, the championship offers not just a competitive platform but a significant moment in the growth of women’s sports in Fiji and Oceania. The commitment of the players, supported by robust training and strategic coaching, sets a hopeful trajectory for the future of women’s football in Fiji, aiming to inspire and pave the way for future football stars.