The door is still open for potential players to join the Digicel Fiji women’s football team for the OFC Nations Cup in July, says newly appointed head coach Lisa Cole.
Former US U17 women’s assistant coach and veteran national women’s soccer league mentor Cole said she would be at the Digicel women’s IDC this weekend to scout players.
“The first camp with the team was good and I have seen some very good players but I will be at the IDC (Inter District Championship) and for sure I will get to see the players who will catch my eyes,” Cole said.
“I am looking forward for the start of the IDC and I guess it will be exciting to watch the best six teams in action,” Cole said she would also monitor the performance of national team players.
“I also want to see how the national football players perform and also they play at the best position.”
Cole is satisfied with the potential players in the training squad after her first training a fortnight ago.
“So as far as I am pleased with the squad we have some good players and I know they will do more better as we go ahead,” she said.
“I can confirm that with the countries I have worked with and the standard of top teams at the world cup, I can see where we are.
“So I will start to work on that fitness level as well as training them in their individual environment.
“I’m pleased with how they play, the energy and their willÂingness to learn so far,” she added.
There are 24 women in the squad with a few students to join later after completing their external exams.
“The youngest player at the moment is 18 years old and the oldest is 28. So about 10-year gap in between, which is not bad,” she said.
“I’m sure there are still some players out there, we will try to make sure that we mix good young talent with experience. Cole is targeting about 25 players in her final squad.
