The Fiji men’s national netball team is preparing for its inaugural international tournament. Head coach Jioeli Makare announced that the invitation came from Singapore netball. The announcement of the 15-man squad is anticipated 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 that this will mark the first time the men’s team travels abroad for an international event. Six countries have confirmed their participation, including Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, England, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Makare expressed hope that this tournament will be the first of many for the Fiji men’s team. He mentioned that trials were conducted earlier this year in March, but only local players participated. The dates for the trials have been posted on the Netball Fiji page. He has submitted the final list of 15 players to the executive committee, awaiting their approval to inform the athletes, which he hopes will be this week.
In addition, Makare is optimistic about netball’s potential inclusion as an Olympic sport, as World Netball intends to collaborate with Netball Australia to advocate for netball’s participation in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
In related news, the Suva Swifts clinched the Finance Hub Super League title by defeating Lautoka with a score of 69-35 on Saturday. The team featured several members of the Pearls extended squad, including standout player 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 supporters at Netball IGA. She expressed enthusiasm for next year’s plans to take a team to Australia, especially focusing on developmental players. Korovulavula praised the performance of the young players, highlighting the importance of senior players supporting them on the court.
The results of the matches included:
Final: Suva Swifts 69-35 Lautoka Stars
Fifth-place play-off: Nadroga Stallions 28-61 Baby Pearls Team Kikau
Seventh-place playoff: Nadi 20-30 Tailevu Doves.