The Fiji men’s Invitational netball team showcased their skills at the 2025 Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball National Championships, achieving an impressive record of seven wins out of ten matches during the round robin phase. Despite their strong showing, the team could not advance to the semifinals as they participated as an invitational side.
Held at the State Netball Centre in Parkville, Melbourne, the tournament was highly competitive, featuring some of the finest male and mixed netball talents from across Australia. Fiji finished third in the Reserve and under-23 category, trailing only behind the Victoria U23 team and the Queensland U23 team, who secured the top two spots.
Head coach Jioweli Vakamoce emphasized the significance of the championship as a vital step in their preparation for the upcoming Fiji Men’s International competition scheduled for August. Speaking to Netball Fiji, he noted, “This tournament is a critical part of our roadmap to the Fiji Men’s International in August, and it will help us assess where we are and what we need to sharpen before then.” He also highlighted that the intensity of play in Melbourne has been a valuable learning experience, aiding the players in understanding the level of performance required for improvement.
Vakamoce praised Fiji’s participation, reflecting on the growth and strength of men’s netball in the Pacific. He remarked, “Our participation underscores the growing strength and depth of men’s netball in the Pacific,” indicating that their endeavors contribute to a broader recognition of the sport in the region.
As the team returns to training, they are poised to use their experiences from the tournament to refine their skills and strategies, fostering a sense of optimism for their future international campaign. The foundation they’ve built at this championship bodes well for the development of netball in Fiji, encouraging more participation and support for the sport among the youth in the region.
Leave a comment