FIJI’S young under-17 futsal players are about to trade local competition for the world stage, with a place in the Women’s FIFA Youth Olympic Futsal Tournament 2026 in Dakar, Senegal, giving them a chance to test themselves against some of the best young players in the world.
For the 10 girls selected, the excitement comes with nerves, but captain Salanieta Vosadora says they are ready to embrace the challenge.
The U17 team will compete in the tournament from November 1 to 12, facing hosts Senegal, Ukraine and Colombia in Group A.
Speaking during the team’s traditional iTatau on Thursday, Salanieta said representing Fiji was an opportunity the players did not take for granted.
“We feel a bit nervous, but we’re so grateful for the opportunity to represent Fiji in the Youth Olympics,” she said.
“It’s the first time for us to represent the futsal team, so we are very happy and looking forward to this opportunity.”
A Form Six student at Vunimono High School, Vosadora said earning a place in the final squad was a challenge in itself, with numerous players competing through several trials for just 10 spots.
Many of the girls came from football backgrounds, with some playing the sport since Year Six before making the transition to futsal.
“It was tough at first, and it was not easy fighting for our spot. We had many trials and many girls, but 10 of us were so happy to be picked and to represent Fiji in the futsal team,” she said.
The captain acknowledged that some of their opponents would arrive with greater international experience, but said the team would not allow that to take away from the opportunity before them.
“We just expect to do our best because it’s the first time for us. In many countries, they are very experienced players, so we just try to do our best and then leave the rest,” she said.
The team departs for Senegal tomorrow, with little time to settle in before opening its campaign against the hosts on November 1.
Fiji will then meet Ukraine on November 3 before closing its Group A campaign against Colombia on November 5.
