The Fiji Pearls is in their second phase of preparation for the upcoming PacificAus Sports Netball Series at the Nissan Area in Brisbane, Australia on February 17 to 22.

Interim head coach Jioweli Vakamoce said the focus for them was to work on their court combinations and game structures.

Vakamoce has also set a target to improve the Pearls ranking following the series; the Pearls are currently ranked 14th.

“We were focusing on their fitness and individual skills in the last two weeks,” he said.

“We want to play the men’s team because that is what we will expect in Brisbane.

“There should be a must win against Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

“A win against Scotland and Tonga would be a bonus for us,” the Nations Cup winning coach added.

Vakamoce has selected a team consists of a mixture of young and experienced players.

“We’re trying to get the five inexperienced players to be exposed to the level they’ll expect by playing against the men’s netball team,” he said.

“That is why we are having three weeks game against the men’s team.”

Vakamoce said fitness was the focus he set in terms of player selection.

“I’m adopting the process that we have for the men in coaching the girls now,” he said.

“I’m hoping it will work for the girls.”

Vakamoce said he has advised his players to be committed to their preparation process.

“This is a team sport, you need to commit yourself because you can’t play individually when you are on court as there are seven players that are playing,” he said.

“When you commit yourself to any type of training like fitness, core skills, you are also bonding with the other girls. It will be so easy.”

Vakamoce had urged the support of the nation with prayers.

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