By Kieran Yap 18/2/25
Above: The Young Matildas in training on Tuesday. Photo: Football Australia
Young Matildas forward Sienna Saveska and Vanuatu Captain Rita Solomon spoke to the media ahead of their encounter in the Four Nations Tournament.
It is the start of a new cycle for the Australian Under 20’s. The Young Matilda have an eye on the 2026 U20 Women’s World Cup and preparation begins now. Interim Australian coach Kory Babington has named a side stacked with A-League Women experience, and even after the withdrawal of Alexia Apostolakis, Tianna Fuller, Isabella Hoyos and Amber Luchtmeijer through injury, spirits are high ahead of the first match against Vanuatu.
One of the stars of this team is Sienna Saveska. The attacker has been a bright spark in a challenging season for The Western Sydney Wanderers, following her return to the club after a year with Sydney FC, the lethal forward has scored seven goals in the league so far, often in spectacular style.
“I think everyone is very excited.” Saveska told the media.
“It’s the first national team thing for the year to kick off the new cycle which is exciting for everyone.
“I think everyone is going to want to perform but mostly just be on the field together and have fun.”
The Young Matildas welcomed Vanuatu to Canberra on Tuesday and both groups of players are eager to get started. Saveska recalls the last visit of the Pacific nation to Australia fondly.
“We had a dinner at Parliament House three years ago which was pretty cool. We got to get together and speak to each other and see how each other were and it was really nice.”
Saveska is perhaps Australia’s most potent goal threat, and she anticipates a physical contest in the opening match against a Vanuatu team looking to test themselves ahead of their own qualifiers. Any occasion to wear the Green and Gold is something she cherishes.
“It’s always an honour to play for Australia and our nation.
“I would love to get out there, if it’s a start or off the bench its just amazing to pull on the jersey and be out there with the girls and have fun.
“You want to win games so that’s a goal for our whole team and everyone as individuals. To get on the scoresheet is another goal of mine but being healthy and being out there, just playing with the girls.”
Vanuatu captain Rita Solomon is leading an inexperienced but enthusiastic side into this tournament. Vanuatu rarely gets a chance to play sides from outside of Oceania and they are looking to grasp this opportunity for a variety of reasons.
“Most of the girls, its their first in the national team,” said Solomon.
“We’re playing against Australia and Thailand. It’s a privilege because we don’t normally play these high levels, we look forward to it.
“Back in Vanuatu we don’t have a women’s league. We’re using this as preparation for our upcoming tournament which will be in Fiji.”
Vanuatu began training almost as soon as they arrived, Solomon had a bit of a laugh when asked how the first session was.
“It was good, some of the girls were still adapting to the weather and food. We are tired from travelling yesterday, the first training session was not too bad.”
Solomon hinted at players missing the trip because of commitments at home, but the U20 national side is setting out to make an impact, not only on the pitch but for others watching from Vanuatu.
“Back at home we have a lot of responsibilities, but once we get called for training and stuff because we love soccer, we’re like ‘ok lets do this’ because we have to do it, no matter what criticism we face from social media or other people.
“In Vanuatu, soccer is one of the sports we love a lot so if we’re not doing good, oh my days” she said with a laugh.
“But, that doesn’t stop us for playing, we enjoy it that’s why we’re here and we’re very proud to represent the Vanuatu team.
“We have to stand up for ourselves and other girls who love to play soccer. If we give up then they don’t have the opportunities that we have now.”
The Young Matildas take on Vanuatu on Wednesday 19 February at 3pm. Entry is free at Viking Park Canberra and the match can be viewed on YouTube
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