The Fiji men’s national netball team is preparing for its inaugural international tournament. Head coach Jioeli Makare confirmed that they received an invitation from Singapore netball. The 15-member squad will be announced this week after trials were conducted last Saturday at the Fiji National University gymnasium in Nasinu. The extended team has been in training for six weeks.
“This marks the first occasion that the men’s team will travel abroad for an international tournament,” Makare stated. Six countries have confirmed participation alongside Fiji, including New Zealand, Australia, England, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Makare is optimistic that this will set the stage for more international competitions for Fiji’s men’s team. He mentioned that trials were held earlier this year in March, but there were no overseas-based players, only local talent. The trial dates were posted on the Netball Fiji page.
“I have submitted the final 15 names to the executive committee, and once they review it, they will inform me when I can notify the players. I am hoping to hear from them sometime this week,” he added. Additionally, Makare expressed hope for netball’s inclusion as an Olympic sport, noting that World Netball plans to collaborate with Netball Australia to advocate for netball’s participation in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
In other news, the Suva Swifts clinched the Finance Hub Super League title by defeating Lautoka 69-35 last Saturday. The Suva team featured several members from the extended Pearls 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 sponsors, Netball IGA. She expressed excitement for next year, aiming to send a team to compete in Australia, particularly focusing on developing players. “I’m pleased with the performance, especially from our younger players who integrated well, and I instructed senior players to support them on the court, which they did,” she remarked.
Most recent results 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.