Digicel Fiji Under-16 women’s football captain Kasanita Tabua and Seruwaia Laulaba have been listed as non-traveling reserves for the national women’s side to the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands in November.

The duo arrived home with the team after leading the Digicel Fiji Under-16 women’s side that was runner-up in the OFC U16 Women’s Championship in Tahiti last week.

The side lost to New Zealand 1-0 in the final, now acknowledged as one of the greatest finishes by Fiji at the regional level for women football.

Tabua who is from Kiuva, Bau, Tailevu said it was a great exposure.

“It was a grand experience to go that far, we were close but I guess we have set a benchmark,” Tabua said.

“Good to have our names in the squad for the Pacific Games. More to be done,” the Vunimono High School Year 11 student said.

Team vice-captain Laulaba, a Year 10 student at Adi Cakobau School took out the best player of the tournament.

“It was good memory for me to claim this award, there is a long road to go,” she said.

The Natadrave, Dawasamu, Tailevu native said it was a good thing to be included in the extended squad for the PG.

Team goalkeeper Rosalain Saraphina, a Year 11 student at Bau College won the best glove award.

“I dedicate this award to all my family members,” she said.

The trio has been playing for the Tailevu Naitasiri side in the women’s premier league competition. They have been playing together since they were 12.

Head coach Angeline Chua said: “We have quite a short preparation time. We only managed to train two weeks together.”

“Then one week, we have to do the selection and narrow down the squad.

“So, if we have a little bit more time to prepare, we might have better players in the team.”

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