The Fiji national under-21 netball team, known as the Baby Pearls, has collected its full squad in Suva as they gear up to face two Australian under-21 teams in a challenging warm-up series for the World Cup. The tournament will unfold from July 7-11 at the Vodafone Arena in Laucala Bay and will feature the Blaze Netball under-21 team and the New South Wales Fijian U21 team.
Head coach Simone Nalatu underscores the pivotal nature of this gathering, noting that it will be an opportunity to refine skills, test player combinations, and instill confidence before their participation in the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar slated for this September. “This diverse squad consists of both local and overseas-based athletes who are eager to represent Fiji,” Nalatu stated.
The Baby Pearls, consisting of a 27-member extended squad, will be split into two competitive teams—Kacau and Kikau—forming a part of their strategic plan to harness team dynamics while facing off against seasoned teams from Australia. Team manager Lusiana Rakavono emphasized the players’ commitment, even amidst the challenge of balancing studies and work, encouraging them to stay focused on their goals. “Their sacrifices will pay off if they keep pushing and never give up,” Rakavono expressed.
Training has been intensive since their regrouping, focusing on fitness, individual positional work, and team bonding exercises that have fostered trust among the players. This regimen is intended not only to prepare them for the immediate competitive demands but also to build a sense of unity that will crucially aid their performance in Gibraltar.
As the Baby Pearls step into this invitational series, their preparation reflects a significant stage in their development, promising not only to sharpen their skills but also to inspire a new generation of netball talent in Fiji. With robust support from organizations like Netball Fiji and the Fiji National Sports Commission, there is a hopeful expectation of their performance, further elevating the profile of netball in the region.
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