As the countdown to the OFC U16 Women’s Championship in Tahiti begins, the spotlight shines on two remarkable sisters from Nasinu. Sonia and Shania Singh, living examples of dedication and passion for football, are about to embark on an extraordinary journey as they represent Fiji. Their story is not just about the sport; it’s a testament to the power of dreams, sisterhood, and determination.
Sonia Singh faced a moment of urgency when Coach Angeline Chua unexpectedly included her younger sister, Shania, in the U16 squad. Despite the physical distance that separated them, Sonia wasted no time sharing the thrilling news. Both sisters had long pursued this dream, and now, at just 14 years old, Shania would join her 16-year-old sibling, Sonia, on the roster for the Digicel Junior Kulas.
The magnitude of this achievement cannot be overstated. The sisters, who have been teammates for the majority of their lives, have supported and pushed each other along their football journey. Shania, in particular, understands the sacrifices and dedication required to reach this level having already been part of the Nasinu senior women’s team since she was just 12 years old.
Their path to success has been paved with dedication and hard work. Growing up, the Singh sisters honed their skills by playing with and against boys on an artificial turf in their backyard, constructed by their father and uncle. This early exposure to challenging opponents undoubtedly contributed to their exceptional skills on the field.
Both Sonia and Shania proudly represent Nasinu FC in various age groups, including the girls’ U16, U19, and senior teams. Balancing schoolwork, soccer, and a social life has been a demanding task, but these sisters have demonstrated an incredible ability to manage it all.
Their father, Jalindar Singh, a former Nasinu FC rep, expressed his disbelief and immense pride at the rapid realisation of their dreams.
“It’s a proud moment for our family as both my daughters will be the first to don the national jumpers and fly the Fijian flag at international level,”
He admitted, “It was definitely a dream come true… Having both of them accomplish these big dreams is such an amazing thing.” He always believed that this day would come, but it arrived sooner than expected.
Jalindar Singh was also deeply impressed by his daughters’ skills on the field. He mentioned, “There are times when I sit back and watch them play and I’m always struck by even for how young she (Shania) is, how much she can compose herself on the ball and how patient and how skillful she can be.”
For the Singh family, this journey is not just about football; it’s about life experiences. Jalindar emphasized, “It’s a priority for us to make sure the girls get to appreciate and experience life.”
The Digicel Junior Kulas are currently in camp in Ba and will leave our shores this Friday for the OFC U16 Women’s Championship in Tahiti.
