The Fiji national women’s football team is currently in camp at the Fiji FA Academy in Suva as preparations intensify for next month’s FIFA International Friendlies against the Hong Kong women’s national side.
The tour will mark head coach Nikola Demaine’s first international assignment with the team, with Fiji scheduled to play two matches during the FIFA international window on June 3 and June 6 in Hong Kong.
Demaine has named a 22-member squad for the trip, selecting a core group of players already involved in the national programme while also introducing two new faces.
“We’ve selected a lot from the players that we’ve already invested in and been working with,” Demaine said.
“They’ve been developing between camps, and we’ve selected a few new players. These are two new players who weren’t in the last part of the programme.”
The coach said the friendlies would provide valuable international exposure as Fiji builds towards the MSG tournament in September.
“What’s great about international friendlies is the result isn’t as important,” Demaine said.
“Obviously, we want to go there and win and show that we can compete in Asia outside of Oceania, but it’s also a chance to give some game time to people, get them that experience and embed our tactics so that we’re ready to hit the ground running when we get to the MSG tournament in September.”
Goalkeeper Aliana will join the side from the United States, while several local-based players continue balancing club and national duties during the WSL season.
“We’re having to release players out to play for their clubs, but that’s good,” Demaine said.
“It means we get to support the league and the clubs still, and the girls are getting good match minutes in them.”
Camp preparations have progressed smoothly, with Demaine pleased with the players’ professionalism and understanding of team processes.
“Our processes are there now from what we set up before, so the girls came in and just knew what they needed to do,” she said.
“We don’t have any injuries with the squad that we’ve called up at the moment.”
One player was unavailable due to a calf strain, while injured players Cema Nasau and Angeline Rekha have joined the camp for rehabilitation.
“Cema joined the team from a rehab point of view,” Demaine said.
“So her injury is getting better now. She’s here to do the strength training and see if she can be ready for the next games.”
She added that Rekha was continuing her recovery after surgery.
“She had surgery and is coming back stronger and stronger, but still not quite ready for international football,” Demaine said.
Demaine said team morale in camp had been positive, with players excited for the overseas challenge.
“Everybody came in, seemed excited to be here, working hard and enjoying national team life,” she said.
The Fiji coach expects a tough contest against Hong Kong, who have shown strong improvement in recent years.
“I think Hong Kong have been coming up in the last few years. They’ve been working really hard on their women’s programme,” Demaine said.
“So it’s a really good chance to measure ourselves against them and see how we fit with Asia.”
Demaine pointed to Hong Kong’s recent performances, including a narrow 1-0 loss to FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers Philippines, as proof of their quality.
“So I think it’ll be a really competitive match and loads of opportunity for learning for us going forward,” she said.
She also thanked the Fiji Football Association for arranging the international tour.
“I’m really excited to see how the girls respond to going outside of the region,” Demaine said.
“I’m really grateful to the FA for giving us this opportunity. If we can do well and perform well, then who knows what it might lead to next.”
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