The Fiji men’s national netball team is preparing for its inaugural international tournament. Head coach Jioeli Makare has confirmed that the team received an invitation from Singapore netball. A 15-member squad is set to be revealed this week following trials that took place last Saturday at the Fiji National University gymnasium in Nasinu.
The extended squad began training six weeks ago. Makare noted that this marks the first occasion the men’s team will travel overseas for an international competition. Six countries have confirmed their participation, including New Zealand, Australia, England, Hong Kong, Fiji, and Singapore.
Makare expressed optimism that this event will be the first of many international tournaments for the Fiji men’s team. He mentioned that earlier trials were held in March, but they only had local players participating. The trial dates have been posted on the Netball Fiji page. He has submitted the final roster of 15 players to the executive committee, who will review it and inform him so he can notify the players, hopefully within this week.
Additionally, Makare is hopeful about the future of netball as an Olympic sport, noting that World Netball aims to collaborate with Netball Australia to advocate for its inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
In domestic news, the Suva Swifts triumphed in the Finance Hub Super League, decisively defeating Lautoka 69-35 last Saturday. The winning team featured members from the Pearls extended squad, including standout shooter Unaisi Rauluni, who earned the title of most valuable player (MVP). Other notable players from the Pearls included Avelina Navue, Maliana Rusivakula, and Reama Verekauta.
Head coach Filo Korovulavula dedicated the victory to the Suva Netball Association committee and their sponsors, Netball IGA. She expressed excitement about next year’s plans to send a team to Australia, particularly focusing on development players. Korovulavula praised the performance of the younger players, noting how well they integrated with the veterans on the court.
Final results from the league include Suva Swifts 69-35 Lautoka Stars, Nadroga Stallions 28-61 Baby Pearls Team Kikau in the fifth-place play-off, and Nadi 20-30 Tailevu Doves in the seventh-place playoff.