Vodafone national women’s senior team defender Sofi Diyolowai says she has learnt a lot during her trials in France.
Diyolowai was the first Fijian footballer to attend nine days of trials with French Ligue 1 club Reims last month.
Straight after returning from France Diyolowai joined the Vodafone national women’s team camp in preparation for the Vanuatu tour.
Diyplowai said she was proud to be the first Fijian footballer to attend trials in France.
“I am so proud that I was given an opportunity to attend trials with a professional club in France,”Diyolowai said.
“It was not an easy task but thanks to almighty for giving me strength to do my best.
Diyolowai said there were three more girls from other countries for the position.
“We were four for the position of a defender and we had to fight for all of us were from other countries, “she said
The Labasa las said she experienced something different from the trials here in Fiji.
“It was totally different style of trials where we played four games and each of us were given opportunity to show our skills and talents,”
“I was happy to do my best in my trials which made me learnt a lot,” Diyolowai said.
Football has always been a passion for 25- year old Diyolowai but she never imagined she might get a chance to be trialed in France.
“I couldn’t believe it, I felt like it was a dream but it was great experience and I thank Fiji Football Association and national coach Christophe Gamel for their support in making this happen.
She said she had given her best in the trails and now it was up to the team management for her selection.
“I am not sure yet If I am selected or no but I am keeping my fingers cross, “she added.
Her football career started when she moved from Bua province to Labasa and joined Labasa Sangam Primary School.
“I didn’t dreamt of playing football then but with the support of my school mates I started playing football and love it, “said Sofi.
“Through football I have learnt a lot and have made lots of friends”
“It’s all about team building, staying together, having networks, having friendship, happiness and feeling freedom. It empowers every woman around the world who plays this game.”
When I was playing for my secondary school team in Labasa, my dad always used to encourage me from the sideline. He’d sit on the side line and always cheer me, Go Sofi Go.’
Shaydo as she is known by her teammates said she was always supported by her families and friends as she pursued her career in football.
“While playing for the Labasa Women team, I was selected to represent Fiji national women’s U16 team but we could not tour because it was cancelled but I was again given opportunity to play for my country in 2010 during the OFC Women’s Championship in New Zealand.”
The Bua lass since 2010 is been part of the national women’s football team and featured in all the Oceania Championship and South Pacific Games.
She believes her age is not a hurdle in her career as she always keeps herself physically fit.
‘I am 25 and I think my age is not a factor for me as I always train hard to keep my fitness for sport I love to play.”
“I have joined Labasa Referees Association which keeps more concerned about my fitness as I have to go through fitness test every month, “she said.
Sofi comes from a football family as her dad played for Savusavu and Labasa team while her brother Iliesa Lino played for Lautoka and now Labasa team.
