The recent victory of the Crest Fiji men’s netball team at the Nations Cup in Singapore has paved the way for new opportunities in netball for Fiji. Following their impressive win, the team has received an invitation to participate in next year’s Men’s Nations Cup and will also compete in a tournament in Australia. This information was confirmed by RubyAnn Sorovaki, the president of Netball Fiji.
Sorovaki noted that the team’s narrow 55-54 triumph over the Australia Under-20 side to claim the Merlion Cup stood out as a major achievement for the federation in 2023. The upcoming 2025 calendar is set to feature the Pearls’ PacificAus Sports series, indicating a busy year ahead for Fiji’s netball.
“Our men have been invited to a tournament in Australia and the Singapore series,” Sorovaki remarked. The Baby Pearls, Fiji’s under-21 team, are also preparing rigorously for the Netball World Youth Cup (NWYC) to be held in Gibraltar.
Netball Fiji expressed gratitude towards the government and the Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC) for their financial support, which has been instrumental in local tournaments, the Under-21 Tri Nations Cup, and an international men’s tournament. Sorovaki mentioned plans to host a 17 & under tournament, aiming to nurture the next generation of U21 players as the current squad transitions into the senior team.
Netball Fiji has also celebrated several successes over the past year, including the Fiji Pearls maintaining their 14th place ranking and being recognized as the organization of the year at the 2023 National Sports Awards. Sorovaki highlighted the U21 team’s first experience in the Cook Islands as a significant eye-opener regarding the competitive landscape of the sport.
In addition, advancements have been made in training technical officials, with top umpire Litia Rabitu officiating at the NWYC regional qualifiers. Funding from World Netball under the Strategic Development Fund has also been received to enhance governance efforts.
Training sessions for administrators and support staff are being organized, coupled with nationwide rallies to promote netball throughout Fiji. Furthermore, announcements regarding a new chief executive officer and head coach for the Pearls are anticipated in the near future.
Overall, the trajectory of netball in Fiji appears promising, with continued support and planned initiatives indicating a bright future for the sport in the nation.
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