The Fiji men’s national netball team is preparing for its inaugural international tournament, as confirmed by head coach Jioeli Makare. The team received an invitation from Singapore netball, and the 15-member squad is set to be announced this week following trials conducted last Saturday at the Fiji National University gymnasium in Nasinu.
The extended squad has been in training for six weeks. Makare expressed excitement about this being the first time the men’s team will travel abroad for an international competition. Six countries have confirmed their participation, including Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, England, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Makare is optimistic that this tournament will mark the beginning of many international outings for the Fiji men’s side. In March, trials were held, but only local players participated as there were no overseas-based players available. The final list of 15 players has been submitted to the executive committee, who will review it and subsequently inform the coach when to notify the players, hopefully later this week.
Additionally, Makare expressed hope that netball could be included as an Olympic sport. World Netball has announced plans to collaborate with Netball Australia to advocate for netball’s inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
In other news, the Suva Swifts triumphed in the Finance Hub Super League, defeating Lautoka 69-35 on Saturday. The team featured members of the Pearls extended squad, with ace shooter Unaisi Rauluni earning the title of 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 sponsors, Netball IGA. She expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming year and the team’s plans to take a squad to Australia, focusing on developing younger players. Korovulavula praised the performance of her young players, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and support from senior players on the court.
Final results from the league include:
– 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.