Fiji’s women’s football team has reached a historic milestone, as Angie Rekha became the first local-based player to be contracted in the New Zealand Women’s National League. She has signed a one-year contract with Western Springs AFC in Auckland. She flew out of Nadi last Saturday morning to join her new team. “I’m looking forward to gaining exposure and experiencing soccer at an international level,” she said. “This will help me develop my skills and techniques.” She also acknowledged the significance of the opportunity: “I’m grateful to get this opportunity. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, and this marks a historic step forward for women’s soccer in Fiji.” Rekha’s football journey began at a young age with Ba Women’s FC where she was developed and nurtured into a top-level defender. Her talent was evident early on and she continued to grow, eventually earning a spot in the Fiji senior women’s team. Late last year, she had a brief stint with Rewa FC, further sharpening her skills before securing this international move. Fiji FA West vice-president, Naziah Ali said the focus of Fiji FA is making Fijian women footballers marketable to overseas clubs where they’re able to secure professional contracts as such. A central defender, Rekha also played a key role in Fiji’s Under-20 squad at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. It was during this tournament that Western Springs head coach Maia Vink, a former Football Fern noticed her performances and scouted her for the club. Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj