AS the U19 women’s national cricket trials approach, 16-year-old Akosita Levaci is pulling out all the stops in her bid to secure a place in the team.
A Tokalau villager from Kabara, Lau, Levaci was drawn to the sport at a young age.
Her passion for cricket has seen her rise through the national ranks after making her debut last year.
The Adi Cakobau School student was one of the youngest players in the Fiji Women’s Under-19 squad that competed at the regional tournament in New Caledonia last year.
Despite making the team previously, Levaci is working hard to ensure she is selected again this year.
“The coach has asked me to work more on my batting and bowling and to focus more on improving my techniques,” she said.
She added that the training sessions were quite challenging but would benefit her during the trials and, hopefully, when she makes the national team.
“With all this training, if I make it to the national team, I hope to win player of the match in one of my next international matches,” Levaci said.
As cricket remains a minor sport in the country, Levaci is encouraging others to give it a try.
“Cricket is a really easy game to play; anyone can play the game, you just need to try it out,” she said.
Despite the setbacks and limited opportunities for cricket locally, Levaci dreams of the day she turns professional, signs an overseas contract, and gives back to the sport she loves.
