The recent victory of the Crest Fiji men’s netball team at the Nations Cup in Singapore has paved the way for exciting new prospects. The team has received invitations to participate in the next Men’s Nations Cup as well as a tournament in Australia, confirming their growing prominence in the sport.
Netball Fiji president RubyAnn Sorovaki emphasized that the highlights of the year included the men’s thrilling 55-54 win over the Australia Under-20 team, which earned them the Merlion Cup. Looking ahead, Sorovaki mentioned that the 2025 calendar will also feature the Pearls in the PacificAus Sports series.
“The men have been invited to a tournament in Australia and the Singapore series,” Sorovaki noted. She also highlighted that the Baby Pearls are gearing up for the Netball World Youth Cup (NWYC) in Gibraltar with an intensive training regime.
The organization has expressed gratitude toward the Fijian government and the Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC) for their financial support, which has enabled local tournaments, the Under-21 Tri Nations Cup, and an international men’s tournament.
Furthermore, Sorovaki outlined plans to host a 17 & under tournament, assuming funding and sponsorship come through, to nurture the next generation of U21 players as the current group advances to the senior Pearls team and prepares for the 2025 NWYC.
Among their impressive accomplishments, the Fiji Pearls have maintained their 14th ranking and were recognized as the organization of the year at the 2023 National Sports Awards. Sorovaki also noted that the Under-21 team’s experience in the Cook Islands served as a significant learning opportunity regarding the high level of competition.
Additional achievements included the development of technical officials, with esteemed umpire Litia Rabitu officiating at the NWYC regional qualifiers. Funding from World Netball’s Strategic Development Fund has also been received to enhance governance efforts.
In a concerted effort to promote netball across the country, training has been scheduled for administrators, technical support officials, and volunteers. Countrywide rallies are planned to encourage widespread participation in the sport throughout the year.
As anticipation builds, Netball Fiji is expected to announce a new chief executive officer and head coach for the Pearls soon, signaling a promising future for the organization and its athletes.
This article highlights the significant advancements in Fiji’s netball scene, showcasing the potential for growth and international competition. The commitment to training and development not only bodes well for the men’s and women’s teams but also reflects a broader movement to elevate the sport within the country.
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