Nasinu referee Kajal Prasad sets sights on FIFA Men's World Cup

Kajal Prasad has set her sights on officiating at a FIFA Men's World Cup in the future.

The 24-year-old from Narere, Nasinu, is one of the few women aspiring to become an international football referee.

What began as an observation during a visit by the Nasinu women's team to Ahmadiyya Muslim College about six years ago has since developed into a passion for the law student.

Prasad is a second-year law student at the University of the South Pacific and a referee with the Fiji Football Association.

She was trained by Rakesh Varman, who was a regional development officer at the time.

“I was scared when I started. He (Varma) used to guide me during matches to look at the referees, do this, do that. At half time, when we went to the change room, all the referees were clapping for me, that I did a good job. So that’s how I started and then now I’m here,” Prasad said.

She has served as an assistant referee in several competitions, including international friendly matches.

Prasad draws inspiration from FIFA-qualified referee Torika Delai, who officiated at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco last year.

“Every female should come up, play, represent, and become referees too. There are a lot of opportunities for females.”

Prasad understands that moving up the refereeing ranks will not come easily and requires hard work and commitment.

“You have to train, fitness is key and then there’s a lot to learn. It’s just the fitness that I’m lacking a bit and I’m working on it.”

In addition to local matches, she has officiated as an assistant referee in several overseas fixtures, including a Bula Boys match in New Zealand, women's international friendlies and matches organised by New Zealand Fiji Football Incorporated (NZFFI).

“I actually have a dream - which is to represent Fiji in the men’s World Cup, maybe the next World Cup or after next one.”

Prasad is grateful for the support of her family and hopes to one day make them proud.

“I have to prepare myself mentally on game days and run over basics. I need to do my part right - communications, eye contact with the referee, and just hope that none of the players get injured.”