“Six countries have confirmed, including Fiji – they’re New Zealand, Australia, England, Hong Kong and Singapore.”
Fiji Black wing defence (WD) Vilive Wainidroa (with ball) looks for support during the Fiji men’s trials against Fiji Blue at the Fiji National University (FNU) gymnasium, Nasinu on October 12, 2024. Photo: Netball Fiji
The Fiji men’s national netball team is gearing up for their first international tournament.
Head coach Jioeli Makare confirmed that the invitation was from Singapore netball.
His 15-member team is expected to be announced this week following the trials last Saturday at the Fiji National University (FNU) gymnasium, Nasinu.
The extended squad started training six weeks ago.
“This is the first time that the men’s team will be traveling overseas for an international tournament,” he said.
“Six countries have confirmed, including Fiji – they’re New Zealand, Australia, England, Hong Kong and Singapore.”
Makare is optimistic that this will be the first of many international tourneys for the Fiji men’s side.
“We had the trials early this year in March, but there weren’t any overseas base players, only locals,” he said.
“The trial dates are posted on the Netball Fiji page.
“I’ve submitted the final 15 names to the executive committee. They will look at it and they will inform me to give the okay to inform the players. I’m hoping that it’ll be sometimes this week.”
Makare is hopeful that netball would also be an Olympic sport; World Netball declared its intention to work with Netball Australia to make a compelling case for netball’s inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Suva wins Finance Hub Super league
Suva Swifts won the Finance Hub Super League after thrashing Lautoka, 69-35, last Saturday.
The capital-city side was laced with Pearls extended squad members including ace shooter Unaisi Rauluni who was the most valuable player (MVP).
Other Pearl players included Avelina Navue, Maliana Rusivakula and Reama Verekauta.
Head coach Filo Korovulavula dedicated their win to the Suva Netball Association committee and their sponsors Netball IGA.
“We are looking forward for next year because we want to take a team across Australia, especially our development players,” she said.
“I’m happy with the performance especially with our young ones, they blended in well and I’m happy for them. The only thing I told the senior players is to look out for the young players when they’re on court and they did just that.”
Results:
Final: Suva Swifts 69-35 Lautoka Stars
Fifth-place play-off: Nadroga Stallions 28-61 Baby Pearls Team Kikau
Seventh-place playoff: Nadi 20-30 Tailevu Doves.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
