The squad was selected from a wider group of 41 and the final line-up is expected to be announced in August.
FFA technical director Saiyad Ali says players not included at the moment still have a chance to impress.
“Although we have named a 25-member squad, the door is still not closed. The players who have been dropped can fight their way back if they prove themselves in the district competition.”
Young Nadi-based midfielder Yasreen Begum is delighted to be involved and has her heart set on a trip to New Zealand for the nation’s cup.
“I’m very pleased and excited to be named in the training squad,” she says.
“This was the first and toughest hurdle to cross. It is not the end though as I now have to work harder to be considered for the final 20.”
The 22-year-old is known as ‘Beckham’ on the local women’s scene due to her impressive skills and first caught the eye during her school days at Nadi Muslim.
She was playing for the boys’ U-16 side in those days but later forced her way into the national U-20 women’s team.
Begum was also in the running to don a national shirt at the 2007 Pacific Games in Samoa but personal commitments prevented her from taking part.
Her immediate goal is to make the final squad for the nation’s cup but she has other far more lofty ones after that.
“As a football player you can never stop aiming for goals,” she says. “I hope one day to become a professional.”
The players will meet up on Friday for a three-day camp.
Ali says the OFC Women’s Nations Cup will also be part of the team’s build up for the 2011 Pacific Games in New Caledonia.
The Fiji national women’s training squad is:
Lice Waqaliti, Mereoni Yabakidrau, Matelita Vuakoso (goalkeepers); Laijipa Daini, Kimberly Rounds, Asena Vuadreu, Tavaita Ravouvou, Menisa Suzie, Adi Jotivini Salavatu, Kini Tora, Viniana Simmons, Mereoni Moceituba, Raijeli Lewasoqelevu (defenders); Radilaite Marama, Unaisi Vatulili, Vulolo Anaisi Tora, Lewamanu Moce, Yasreen Begum, Bella Ratubalavu, Priya Singh, Asena Ratu (midfielders); Viniana Riwai, Rusila Tamoi, Stella Naivalulevu, Kurukaba Ligavola (strikers).
Story and photo courtesy of Fiji FA Media
For the latest news visit the Fiji FA website