Three players from the Fiji women’s national football team are embarking on an exciting journey to New Zealand to participate in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Player Placement Program. Adi Lita Bakaniceva, Maria Veronica, and Caroline Qalivere will join Eastern Suburbs AFC in Auckland for a high-performance placement over two weeks, after which they will reunite with their national team in Papua New Guinea.
Accompanied by team manager Tulia Tuidama, these athletes are eager to enhance their skills and gain invaluable experience within a professional football setting. Tuidama expressed her gratitude towards OFC and Eastern Suburbs for facilitating this opportunity, remarking, “This is an excellent opportunity for our players to experience a professional football environment and raise their performance standards.”
The OFC Player Placement Program is designed to enable emerging Pacific footballers to train and compete within professional clubs, helping to bridge the gap between local competitions and the international stage. This initiative is of great significance as it helps elevate the standard of football in the region.
Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel voiced his pride in the players and highlighted the importance of such initiatives in promoting women’s football in Fiji. He underscored that international exposure not only enhances the skills of individual players but also ignites interest and growth in women’s football throughout the region.
The accomplishments of these players reflect their dedication and the robust support of the Fiji Football Association’s grassroots initiatives, signaling a hopeful future for women’s football in Fiji. As these athletes prepare for this incredible opportunity, they are setting a valuable example for future generations of female athletes, inspiring them to aspire for similar successes. Their journey is a compelling story of hope and potential, showcasing the capabilities of Fijian talent on the global stage.