The Digicel Kulas has won the heart of many football fans despite going down 1-2 against Papua New Guinea in the final of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2022 at the HFC Stadium in Suva last Saturday.
About 6000 people came out to support the Kulas in their campaign but were not disappointed with the result.
Deepak Kumar of Nausori who came to watch the final said he was happy with the performance of the national women’s team.
“I would say it was worth coming down from Nausori to watch the match,” said Kumar
“As a football fan we never supported the women’s football but I think today (Saturday) we have seen the caliber women have in football,”
Ratu Ilatia who came all the way from Ba said it was an entertaining final.
“I think it was the best final. I always support football and after knowing about the Kulas, I took my time with my family to come here and support,” said Ilatia
“I am really happy with the way they played but unfortunately they could not win but we are proud of their performance,”
Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel thanked all the supporters for relying on behind women’s football.
“I have no words to thank everyone for their support but it was amazing to see for the first time ever we have recorded such a huge crowd in women’s football even not in other nation,” said Patel
“The support our Fijians have shown to the team will surely boost the women’s football in the country,” said Patel
“I must thank our Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for taking his time out also to come and support the team in the semi-final which also motivated the team,” said Patel
Patel said the girls played their hearts out.
“I will say we have nothing to lose despite the end result but my hearty congratulations to the team for their gallant performance,”
“They sacrificed a lot to be in the team, they worked hard but it was not our day but I am sure they have won the hearts of many Fijians.”
As it has been over two and a half years since international women’s football has been played on home soil, fans were naturally excited to see the Kulas in action.
While the team bowed out of the tournament, they had great support from the fans
“I have enjoyed this tournament very, very much,” he said.
“I love watching them represent their country. I think they are very skillful and talented, just like the men. It’s great to see them flying our country flag.”
