The recent victory of the Crest Fiji men’s netball team at the Nations Cup in Singapore has paved the way for exciting new opportunities. The team has received an invitation to participate in the upcoming Men’s Nations Cup next year, in addition to taking part in a tournament in Australia.
This announcement was made by RubyAnn Sorovaki, the president of Netball Fiji, who highlighted the team’s nail-biting 55-54 victory over the Australia Under-20 team to clinch the Merlion Cup as a significant achievement for the federation this year. Sorovaki noted that the 2025 calendar will also feature the Pearls’ PacificAus Sports series.
“The men have been invited to a tournament in Australia and the Singapore series,” Sorovaki stated. “Our Baby Pearls have an intense preparation schedule ahead of the Netball World Youth Cup (NWYC) in Gibraltar.”
Netball Fiji is grateful for the support from the government and the Fiji National Sports Commission, which has provided funding for local tournaments, including an Under-21 Tri Nations Cup and an international men’s tournament. Sorovaki mentioned the potential hosting of a 17 & under tournament, subject to funding and sponsorship, to scout for upcoming talent as the current U21 players transition into the Pearls.
The Fiji Pearls also celebrated retaining their 14th ranking from last year and winning the organization of the year award at the 2023 National Sports Awards. Sorovaki noted that the U21 team’s debut in the Cook Islands was enlightening regarding the competitive level they aspire to reach.
Additional achievements include enhancing the skills of technical officials, with top umpire Litia Rabitu officiating at the NWYC regional qualifiers in the Cook Islands, and receiving funding from World Netball for governance initiatives. The federation has planned extensive training for administrators, technical support personnel, and volunteers, as well as nationwide rallies aimed at promoting netball throughout Fiji.
Looking ahead, Netball Fiji is set to announce its new chief executive officer and the head coach for the Pearls soon, signaling a bright future for the sport in the region.
This positive momentum not only signals growth for Fiji’s netball hierarchy but also reflects the potential for increased international exposure and talent development in the sport. As the federation continues to build on its successes, the future looks promising for both its men and women’s teams.
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