USA-based National Women’s team striker Trina Davis made her debut for her new side ASA Tel Aviv against table-toppers Maccabi Kiryat Gat last night in Israel.
The debut comes just days after her move from the USA to Israel. She played the first half in a 0-0 draw with. ASA Tel Aviv currently sit fourth in the table.
Davis has become the first Fijian to become a professional woman footballer.
Despite signing a professional contract to play football in Israel, Davis says she will always be available to represent the Fijian women’s team.
“Fiji will always be my team and my home, I will always play and represent Fiji no matter where or what team I play for. Fiji is going to the World Cup 2023, mark my words.”
“I am in contact with Coach Marika Rodu and have assured him that I will be available for Fiji during the play-offs. Fiji is my first priority and I love to play for my country,” she said.
“I’m going to wear number 9 jumper and I chose 9 because I’m also 9 for Fiji,”said Davis.
The speedster confirmed that she has signed till June and will be back home on June 2.
Davis gave the entire credit of her international stardom to former Fiji national coach Christophe Gamel who has also helped her to secure the contract.
“I have always been in touch with Gamel and he always said that he has seen potential in me and he knew I was very passionate about the game and going far. I always told him I want to make it professional and far one day and he always told me to be patient.”
“Gamel reached out to me in January and asked if I was interested in playing professionally in Israel and that an agent will call me, and then we started the whole process. I signed till June, I will be home back in Seattle in June,” Davis added.
Trina who is born to Vikashni of Veiseisei Lautoka and Scott Davis of Kirkland in Washington made her debut for Fiji in the OFC Nations Cup in Vanuatu as a 16-year-old.
She finished the competition by winning the Golden Boot award after netting nine goals.
The 19-year-old signed a professional contract with Israel based ASA Tel Aviv earlier this month and left to join the club on Friday.
Davis added that it was like a dream come true for her.
“I’ve never felt more thankful and blessed, one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt, it’s been a dream to play professionally ever since I was a little girl and now look at me, I’m 19 and I signed my first professional contract,”
“At the age of 16, I was playing for the Fiji women’s National team. It feels so rreal, I never imagined to actually be where I am so young but being in the position I am now, my dreams came true, this is everything I’ve ever wanted.
“Of course it wasn’t easy, there were multiple challenges I had faced but it only made me stronger. Football is my love and my passion, if I’m able to do what I love, If I’m able to inspire kids, be a role model, and I get to have fun with it. This is the best blessing from God. I can’t thank God enough for everything and for being where I am,”Davis added
Fiji Football Association President Rajesh Patel congratulated Davis for her milestone achievement in becoming the first Fijian female professional footballer.
Patel said it’s good news and a positive boost for the other Fijian women footballers and it is a proud moment for Fiji as Trina is the first national women’s team player to sign her first professional contract.
“As we kick start the Women’s Super League this year, this will encourage our female footballers to take up the challenge. Davis is a good role model for many women footballers here in the country.”
ASA Tel Aviv’s next match is March 4th, when they travel to play sixth-placed Hapoel Ra’anana.
