INTERNATIONAL experience has given Sisilia Kalisito a taste of where football can take her. Now, at just 15, she is learning what it takes to lead.
The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School student is the captain of Rewa FC’s under-15 girls side competing in the 2026 Fiji FA U16 Girls Youth League, where she is combining the lessons from the regional stage with the responsibility of leading her teammates.
Kalisito’s latest chapter began with a strong statement last Saturday when Rewa recorded a 7-0 victory over Nasinu FC.
For the young defender, matches like these are about more than the scoreline. They provide an opportunity to grow as a player, build confidence and understand the responsibility that comes with wearing the captain’s armband.
Her football journey, however, started much closer to home.
Kalisito credits her father, Posiano Kalisito, a former footballer, for introducing her to the sport and encouraging her to pursue it.
“It was my dad. My dad was a former soccer player. He was the best defender in Fiji. He brought me up. He encouraged me to get into soccer,” Kalisito said.
“That’s why I love football.”
The influence is evident in Kalisito’s choice of position, with the youngster developing as a defender.
But her favourite player comes from the other end of the pitch.
“Messi,” she said when asked who inspires her.
“He’s the best striker.”
And although she is currently making her name in defence, Kalisito is open to testing herself further up the field.
Asked if she would like to play striker one day, she answered: “Yes.”
Her football education has already extended beyond Fiji.
Last year, Kalisito represented Fiji at the OFC U15 Girls Tournament, gaining valuable exposure to regional competition. “It was good. We learned new things,” she said.
That experience has now become part of the foundation she is building with Rewa.
The captaincy is another important step.
For Kalisito, leadership means setting an example while continuing to learn alongside her teammates.
And her ambitions stretch beyond youth football.
Asked whether she believes she can represent Fiji internationally again, she answered confidently: “Yes.”
She knows there is work ahead, but she has the support of those closest to her.
“I would like to thank my parents for always supporting me in my career. I would like to thank my family, my siblings, and my supporters,” she said.
For now, Kalisito’s focus is Rewa, where she is learning to lead while continuing to develop her game.
The OFC stage gave her a glimpse of the future.
The captain’s armband is giving her the chance to prepare for it.
Remember the name, Sisilia Kalisito in the years to come as a young lass lives her dream on the football field aiming to reach the heights unmatched in Fijian football history.
