The Fiji men’s national netball team is preparing for its inaugural international tournament, as confirmed by head coach Jioeli Makare. The invitation to participate came from Singapore netball. This week, the coach plans to announce the 15-member squad after trials were held last Saturday at the Fiji National University (FNU) gymnasium in Nasinu.
The extended training squad has been in preparation for the last six weeks. Makare noted, “This is the first time that the men’s team will be traveling overseas for an international tournament.” Six countries, including Fiji, are confirmed to participate: New Zealand, Australia, England, Hong Kong, and Singapore. He is optimistic that this event will mark the beginning of many international competitions for the Fiji men’s team.
Earlier this year, trials were conducted in March, but no overseas-based players participated—only local players. The dates for the upcoming trials have been shared on the Netball Fiji page. “I’ve submitted the final 15 names to the executive committee,” Makare mentioned. “They will review them and inform me if I can notify the players. I hope to receive confirmation sometime this week.”
Makare is also hopeful about the potential inclusion of netball as an Olympic sport, following World Netball’s announcement of its intent to collaborate with Netball Australia to advocate for netball’s participation in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
In other news, the Suva Swifts clinched the Finance Hub Super League title by defeating Lautoka 69-35 last Saturday. The winning team featured members of the Pearls extended squad, including standout shooter Unaisi Rauluni, who was named the most valuable player (MVP). Other players from the Pearl squad 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. “We look forward to next year, as we want to send a team to Australia, especially our development players,” she stated. She expressed satisfaction with the performance of the younger players and commended the senior players for their support on the court.
The results of the matches are as follows:
Final: Suva Swifts 69-35 Lautoka Stars
Fifth-place play-off: Nadroga Stallions 28-61 Baby Pearls Team Kikau
Seventh-place play-off: Nadi 20-30 Tailevu Doves.