“I’m pretty confident that a lot of our players will perform. The team plays better with the support so I’d like to thank our supporters for coming out.”
Islanders basketball team during the Vodafone Fiji Cup at the Vodafone Arena on March 13, 2025. Photo: Ioane Asioli
The Islanders basketball team beat Kaunikuila All Stars 38-35 in the first game of the Vodafone Fiji Cup at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva yesterday.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, head coach Manoa Puamau dedicated the win to their loyal supporters that were present at tournament.
“The boys have been preparing well and the hardwork paid off,” Puamau said.
“One of the biggest challenge for us is to have everyone train together as we have a few players in the West as well.”
Puamau said his players experience has been their strength despite the players not training together.
“These boys have been playing together for the past six to seven years as they can still perform even though they don’t train together,” he said.
“One of the things our club prides ourself in is being the feeder club for the national team that is one of our goals.”
Puamau said seven of his players were in the national team for the Pacific Games in 2023.
“There’s a lot of talent within our team, a lot of young ones coming in as well that hopefully that can break into the Under-23 team,” he said.
“We have our senior players that are most likely to make the national team as well.”
Puamau said two of his players are training with the Under-23 team for the Mini Pacific Games in Palau.
“I’m pretty confident that a lot of our players will perform. The team plays better with the support so I’d like to thank our supporters for coming out.”
Results:
Dynamic Reds 62 – 27 Kaunikuila Aces (Women); Zodiac Wyverns 32 – 31 Tamahine (Women); Natikula Ballers 60 – 21 USP Islanders (Women); Islanders 38 – 35 Kaunikuila All – Stars (Men); Zodiac Rams 48 – 27 Lights Out (Men)
Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj
