The Fiji men’s national netball team is preparing for its debut international tournament. Head coach Jioeli Makare revealed that the team received an invitation from Singapore netball. The announcement of the 15-member squad is expected this week, following trials held last Saturday at the Fiji National University (FNU) gymnasium in Nasinu.
The extended squad has been in training for six weeks. Makare noted, “This is the first time that the men’s team will be traveling overseas for an international tournament,” mentioning that six countries, including Fiji, have confirmed their participation: New Zealand, Australia, England, Hong Kong, and Singapore. He is optimistic that this will pave the way for more international tournaments for the Fiji men’s side.
Earlier this year, trials were conducted in March; however, only local players participated, as there were no overseas-based players. Makare has submitted the final roster to the executive committee, which will review it before notifying players, with hopes that this will happen within the week. He is also hopeful about netball being recognized as an Olympic sport, as World Netball has expressed intentions to collaborate with Netball Australia to advocate for netball’s inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
In other news, the Suva Swifts clinched the Finance Hub Super League title by defeating Lautoka with a score of 69-35 last Saturday. The team featured members from the Pearls extended squad, including standout shooter Unaisi Rauluni, who was named the most valuable player (MVP). Other notable players included Avelina Navue, Maliana Rusivakula, and Reama Verekauta.
Head coach Filo Korovulavula dedicated the victory to the Suva Netball Association committee and their sponsor, Netball IGA. She expressed excitement for the upcoming year, with plans to take a team to Australia, particularly emphasizing the development of younger players. Korovulavula praised the performance of the young players and noted that the senior players effectively supported them during the match.
Final results included Suva Swifts 69, Lautoka Stars 35; Nadroga Stallions 28, Baby Pearls Team Kikau 61 in the fifth-place playoff; and Nadi 20, Tailevu Doves 30 in the seventh-place playoff.