Fiji Netball Coaches Tap Elite Training to Boost Global Ambitions

Fiji’s netball community continues to flourish as key figures in the sport engage in international development programs and prepare for upcoming global competitions. Recently, Fiji Men’s head coach Jioweli Vakamoce and Baby Pearls Technical Coach Vaiti Waqatabu participated in a week-long PacificAus Sports Netball Coaches Development Program at the Australian Institute of Sports in Canberra. This initiative, organized by Netball Australia and supported by the Australian Government, aims to enhance the skills of coaches from various Pacific Island countries by providing exposure to elite-level player pathway strategies and high-performance skills.

The program offered coaches like Waqatabu a chance to learn from those operating at the highest levels of netball. Observing the final trials of the Origin Diamonds squad for the Constellation Cup and a training match between Australia’s Under 21 and Under 19 national squads, participants received firsthand insights into the behaviors and skills that contribute to success in top-tier netball.

As coaches like Waqatabu and Vakamoce return to their respective teams, their newly acquired expertise is expected to propel Fijian netball further on the global stage. Waqatabu is set to join the Baby Pearls in Gibraltar, while Coach Vakamoce returns to prepare the rest of the team for upcoming matches.

This development aligns with broader efforts to elevate Fijian netball talents, as seen in previous initiatives such as high-performance training programs and international competitions participated in by the Baby Pearls. These efforts not only improve skill and strategy among players but also foster significant growth within Fiji’s netball community.

With consistent dedication to enhancing both coaching and player capabilities, Fiji is setting a hopeful trajectory for its netball teams. As these initiatives continue, there is an optimistic outlook that Fiji will make a significant impact in future international netball competitions, inspiring the next generation of athletes.