Fiji born Hekari United player Maria Veronika says the Fiji senior football team must lift their game pace and improve chemistry if they are to beat Papua New Guinea in their upcoming international friendlies.
Veronika, one of four overseas-based players in the Fiji Kulas squad, shared her thoughts after their training session at the Fiji Football Academy in Vatuwaqa on Friday.
She said playing alongside PNG players at club level gave her a better understanding of how strong and fast they are.
“I have played alongside them, and I saw the difference. Their speed, consistency and the way they support each other is amazing,” the 26-year-old said.
“The pace of the game is really fast. It took me time to adjust when I joined them. For us to beat them, we need to keep the ball moving, increase our stamina and work better together as a team. If we can’t match their speed, then we must be smarter and have better chemistry on the field.”
Veronika is part of the 33-member squad in camp ahead of the two friendlies on May 30 and June 2.
The matches will be key preparation for the OFC Women’s Nations Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifiers.
These friendlies will give the team a chance to test their skills and teamwork against strong opposition before the official tournaments.
