Fourteen-year-old Dreketi College goalkeeper Meresiana Sukanauwa has received a last-minute call-up to the Fiji Mini Kulas squad for the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in the Solomon Islands.
Her inclusion completes a remarkable rise for the young goalkeeper, who received the Golden Glove award in the Open Girls grade at the Extra Fiji Secondary Schools Football Championship in Labasa a fortnight ago.
Sukanauwa only began playing football in Year Eight and is the only member of her family involved in the sport.
Speaking to Fiji FA Media, she credited Dreketi College teacher and coach Mohammed Altaf for introducing her to goalkeeping and helping her develop her skills.
“No one in my family plays football. I started playing when I was in Year Eight, and our schoolteacher Mohammed Altaf guided me and taught me how to play as a goalkeeper,” Sukanauwa said.
Altaf recalled that Sukanauwa initially started on the bench before being handed an opportunity during Dreketi College’s second zonal pool match.
“She was on the bench, but in our second zonal pool game, I decided to give her an opportunity because I believed she was capable of doing the job,” Altaf said.
“I named her in the starting line-up, and she gave her best. She even saved a penalty and helped us protect our 2–1 lead.
“From that moment, she continued to improve and showed that she had the ability and confidence to become a good goalkeeper.”
Altaf described Sukanauwa as a courageous player who never took a backward step and always understood her responsibilities between the posts.
“She is very hardworking and courageous, and she never gives up,” he said.
“She understands her responsibilities as a goalkeeper and always tries to perform her duty to the best of her ability.”
Altaf said he was immensely proud to see Sukanauwa progress from a school-level beginner to a national representative within a short period.
“As her teacher and coach, I am extremely proud of her achievements. She listened, worked hard and made the most of every opportunity given to her,” he said.
“Winning the Golden Glove was special, but her selection in the Mini Kulas squad is an even greater achievement for her, her family and Dreketi College.”
Sukanauwa said receiving the Golden Glove was already a proud moment, but her unexpected national call-up made the achievement even sweeter.
“It was a proud moment for me and my school when I received the Golden Glove award, and it has become even sweeter now that I have been called into the Mini Kulas squad,” she said.
“I did not expect the call-up, especially at the last minute, so I was very happy and excited when I received the news.”
The opportunity will allow the young goalkeeper to experience international football and overseas travel with the national team.
“I am so happy and excited to be part of the Fiji team, travel overseas and experience an international tournament,” she said.
“I will do my best to make my province, school, friends, family and parents proud, but most importantly, I want to make my country proud.”
Sukanauwa’s journey from learning the basics of goalkeeping in Year Eight to earning national selection at just 14 highlights her rapid development, courage and determination.
The OFC U-16 Women’s Championship will be staged from September 6–19 and will serve as Oceania’s qualifying tournament for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027.
Fiji will face the Cook Islands, defending champion New Zealand and host Solomon Islands in Group A, with the tournament’s two finalists qualifying for the World Cup.
