Pearl Rokovucake is following in the footsteps of her grandfather and former Rewa star goalkeeper Eroni Kubulala to play football at the national level.

The 12-year-old from Naitasiri is one of the three players in the Vodafone Fijian Under-16 national girls extended squad.

Being the youngest player on the team, Rokovucake says, she wants to continue their family tradition.

“My friends in school got me into soccer and now I love it,” Rokovucake said.

“The reason I want to continue playing is because my grandfather used to play and I want to continue that tradition.

“My family are proud of me and have told me to work hard and give my best, so I’m happy that I have been part of this squad,” Rokovucake said.

“I have learnt a lot, how to pass the ball and dribble it and kick it at goal. I love making new friends and I have learnt a lot from the other girls as well.

“I want to make my family proud and I know I am still young and have a lot to improve on.”

Football is a sport that Rokovucake wants to take up professionally and hopefully join bigger clubs.

Today will be the last day the 32-member squad will spend together before head coach Marika Rodu reduces the squad to 25.