The recent victory of the Crest Fiji men’s netball team at the Nations Cup in Singapore has created exciting new opportunities for the federation. Following their impressive performance, the team has been invited to participate in next year’s Men’s Nations Cup and will also compete in a tournament in Australia. Netball Fiji president RubyAnn Sorovaki highlighted the team’s narrow win of 55-54 against the Australia Under-20 squad to clinch the Merlion Cup, marking it as one of the federation’s standout moments this year.
The 2025 calendar looks promising as it includes the Pearls’ PacificAus Sports series, and Sorovaki confirmed the men’s invitation to tournaments in Australia and the Singapore series. Additionally, the Baby Pearls are gearing up for the Netball World Youth Cup (NWYC) in Gibraltar, with a rigorous preparation schedule ahead.
Sorovaki expressed gratitude towards the Fijian government and the Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC) for their financial support, which has enabled the organization of various local tournaments and an Under-21 Tri Nations Cup. The federation also plans to host a 17-and-under tournament, aiming to identify potential players transitioning to the U21 level as the current cohort moves up to the Pearls after the 2025 NWYC.
Moreover, the Fiji Pearls have maintained their 14th ranking over the past year and achieved accolades such as winning the Organization of the Year award at the 2023 National Sports Awards. Sorovaki mentioned that the U21 team’s experience in the Cook Islands was enlightening, raising awareness about the level of competition they face.
Notable successes this year also include enhancing the skills of technical officials, with top umpire Litia Rabitu officiating at the NWYC regional qualifiers in the Cook Islands. Furthermore, Netball Fiji has received funding from World Netball under the Strategic Development Fund to bolster governance efforts. Plans for training sessions for administrators, technical officials, and volunteers are underway, alongside countrywide rallies to promote netball participation throughout the year.
Anticipation builds for the announcement of Netball Fiji’s new chief executive officer and Pearls head coach, signifying a positive direction for the federation.
This narrative underscores the growth and commitment of netball in Fiji, showcasing a robust pipeline for talent and the continuous dedication of the federation to develop the sport. The focus on youth development and community engagement may foster a stronger netball culture in the years to come.
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