Three players from the Fiji women’s national football team have embarked on a significant journey as they head to New Zealand to take part in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Player Placement Program. Adi Lita Bakaniceva, Maria Veronica, and Caroline Qalivere are set to join Eastern Suburbs AFC in Auckland for a two-week high-performance placement before they come together again with the national team in Papua New Guinea.
Alongside team manager Tulia Tuidama, these players are looking forward to enhancing their skills and gaining valuable experience in a professional football environment. Tuidama praised OFC and Eastern Suburbs for their support in facilitating this opportunity. “This is an excellent opportunity for our players to experience a professional football environment and raise their performance standards,” she stated.
The OFC Player Placement Program aims to provide emerging Pacific footballers with opportunities to train and compete within professional clubs, effectively bridging the gap between local competition and the international stage.
Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel expressed his pride in the players and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in uplifting women’s football standards in Fiji. This commitment to player development through international exposure is essential as it not only enhances individual player capabilities but also stimulates interest and growth in women’s football throughout the region.
The success of these players is a testament to their hard work and the support of the Fiji Football Association’s grassroots initiatives, reflecting a bright future for women’s football in Fiji. As the trio gears up for this promising opportunity, they are paving the way for future generations of female athletes in the country to aspire to similar achievements. The journey of these players serves as an inspiring narrative of hope and possibility in the world of sports, showcasing the potential of Fijian talent on the international scene.