Sekola Waqanidrola says women can play football just like men.

The 20 –year old Serua native said people should change the mind­set that football is only for men.

Waqanidrola is playing for Voda­fone Fijian national team in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup Qualifiers which ends today at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

“People underestimate women when they play football,” Sekola said.

She said people generally had the pre-conceived idea that it was only a game for men.

“People think that football is a men’s game since it’s a physical game,” Se­kola said.

“But I want women to know that we can play football just like men.”

Sekola started playing football when she joined high school.

“I started playing when I was in Year Nine,” said Sekola.

She said that it gave her a sense of hope and reflection as she progressed with her career.

Sekola made her major break­through when she followed her sister playing for the Rewa club.

She said that joining the Fiji Wom­en’s team was the biggest achieve­ment of her life.

Sekola also understands that with great achievements come great sac­rifices.

Sekola said that everyone back at home and in her community was proud of her. “I’m so happy to have a very supportive family,” she said.

Her message to all the young girls is for them to pursue what they wanted to do as everything was possible. “If we can do it, so can you,” she said.

She hopes to play against American Samoa in the final match today.

Edited by Osea Bola

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