The form five Vashist Muni College student arrived on the local football scene last year and has caught the eye with her impressive performances.
She is now looking to make her mark on the international stage and is vying for a spot in coach Ramesh Sharma’s Nations Cup squad.
The tournament will be held from September 29 to October 8 on the oval ground at North Harbour Stadium.
“I’m looking forward to making the final team which will travel to New Zealand,” Ratubalavu says.
“I have been training really hard and hope that I get the chance to represent the national side. I been waiting for a chance to represent Fiji and believe now is the right time.”
The youngster took part in the Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants competition and believes that experience has been a big help in her preparations.
“It was a good build up for me as it showed my strengths and weaknesses,” she says.
Ratubalavu is also part of the Fiji U-18 squad, the members of which are being groomed to graduate to the senior national women’s side one day.
Senior team manager Jackie Chambers says the squad’s preparations for the Nations Cup are well underway and going smoothly.
“The girls are coping well,” she says.
“We are just days away from the OFC Women’s Nations Cup and the girls are doing everything they possibly can to impress the selectors to make the final team.”
Story and photo courtesy of Fiji FA Media.