The Fijian men’s national netball team is preparing for its inaugural international tournament after receiving an invitation from Singapore netball. Head coach Jioeli Makare stated that the final 15-member squad will be announced this week following trials held last Saturday at the Fiji National University gymnasium in Nasinu.
The team has been training for the past six weeks, and Makare expresses excitement as this marks the first time the men’s team will compete abroad. Six nations have confirmed participation, including Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, England, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Earlier trials took place in March, but only local players participated as there were no overseas-based athletes. The trial dates were posted on the Netball Fiji page. Makare has submitted the final roster to the executive committee for approval, hoping to announce the players shortly.
Additionally, Makare is optimistic about netball potentially being included as an Olympic sport, as World Netball has expressed intentions to collaborate with Netball Australia to advocate for its inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
In other netball news, Suva Swifts triumphed in the Finance Hub Super League by defeating Lautoka, with a score of 69-35. The team featured several 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 sponsors Netball IGA, expressing hopes for next year’s plans to take a team to Australia, particularly developing players. She praised the performance of the younger athletes and highlighted the importance of senior players supporting them on the court.
Final results included Suva Swifts 69-35 Lautoka Stars in the final, with Nadroga Stallions finishing 28-61 against Baby Pearls Team Kikau in the fifth-place playoff, and Nadi losing 20-30 to Tailevu Doves in the seventh-place playoff.