A squad of around 40 players recently took part in an intensive training course at the University of South Pacific in Suva with Fiji Football Association Technical Director Saiyad Ali casting a watchful eye over the national team hopefuls.
The side not only has the Pacific Games to look forward to but also the OFC Women’s Nations Cup in New Zealand starting in September which will determine Oceania’s representative for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011.
Ali believes good preparation is the key to success in both tournaments.
“This is the second national women’s camp that we have called this year. The next camp will be in May during the school holidays then in June and later July. In July we will trim down the squad to about 30 which will then go full time in camp before we select the 20 for the OFC Nations Cup,” said Ali.
Up-and-coming talent Vanisha Kumar, who is based in Australia playing for the NSW State Thunder futsal and football sides, says she was pleased following her first training with the national squad.
The youngster says she is keen to impress the selectors during the training camps.
“I want to get selected in the National Team. It will be a very proud moment for me if I do so. The first training session was good and I had lots of fun,” Kumar said.
Current squad: Labasa: Viniana Simmons, Jotivini Salavatu, Viniana Riwai, Asena Tuena: Rewa: Raijieli Lewasoqevula, Mereani Moceituba, Merevesi Fuga: Suva: Radilaite Marama, Unaisi Vatulili, Talica Vodo, Everlyn Kumar, Eseta Senivesi, Jijilia Dugucavanua, Lewamanu Moce, Wainikitu Visadrau, Lavenia Yalovi,Kini Ravai, Shirlyn Singh, Mereoni Yabakidrau: Navua: Asena Vuadreu, Bella Ratubalavu, Kurukaba Ligavola: Nadroga: Kimberley Rounds, Repeka Makereta , Makereta Sogotubu: Nadi: Ana Digogo, Kini Tora, Vulolo Anaisi Tora: Lautoka: Lice Waqaliti, Karalaini Cakau, Menisa Suzie,Vasiti Adi, Vasiti Adi Maira: Rakiraki: Stella Naivalulevu, Amele Naiula: Laijipa Dani Labasa / Ba ; NSW: Vanisha Kumar
Story and photo courtesy Fiji FA Media
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