Three talented female footballers from Fiji—Adi Lita Bakaniceva, Maria Veronica, and Caroline Qalivere—are embarking on an exciting opportunity in New Zealand as they join Eastern Suburbs AFC in Auckland for a two-week high-performance attachment under the OFC Player Placement Program. This initiative aims to elevate the skills and experiences of Pacific players by providing them with exposure to advanced coaching methods and a competitive environment.
Both Bakaniceva and Veronica are seasoned players who represented Rewa Women’s and previously played for Hekari Women’s FC in Papua New Guinea, enhancing their international club experience last year. Meanwhile, Qalivere, a defender from Lautoka Women’s, is the youngest of the trio, already having represented Fiji at the age-grade level and playing alongside her senior teammates at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
The training and matches scheduled during their stay with Eastern Suburbs AFC will be an invaluable opportunity for these athletes to refine their skills, preparing them for further challenges in their football careers. After completing this performance-focused attachment, the trio is set to travel directly to Papua New Guinea to join the Fiji women’s national team for the Prime Ministers Cup tournament.
This program underscores Fiji Football Association’s commitment to bridging the gap between domestic levels and international play, aiming to provide Pacific players with practical experience in professional setups. The positive implications of this development resonate not only for the players involved but also for the future landscape of women’s football in Fiji.
Following similar recent achievements by other female footballers from Fiji, including Bakaniceva and Veronica’s signing with Hekari FC, this latest development signifies a growing recognition of Fijian talent on international platforms. Such milestones serve to inspire the next generation of female athletes in Fiji, creating a hopeful outlook for women’s sports in the region. With continued support and development, the future for aspiring female footballers in Fiji looks increasingly promising.