Fiji Netball Faces Critical Leadership Challenge Ahead of Key Meeting

Leaders from the Western Netball Associations in Fiji are calling on Netball Fiji President RubyAnn Sorovaki to prioritize transparency and accountability ahead of a Special General Meeting (SGM) scheduled for this Saturday. This gathering of 15 netball association presidents has arisen from growing concerns regarding the current executive committee’s governance and performance, with accusations of negligence and a lack of engagement with the grassroots.

Dorothy Prasad, president of Lautoka Netball, articulated the sentiment of the Western associations—comprising Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Ra, Rakiraki, Tavua, and Vatukaloko—by urging the organization to practice good governance and address the stagnant growth of netball in Fiji. The Western presidents suggest that executive committee members have been more focused on self-interest rather than serving the district associations.

Previously, at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), similar grievances were raised about the Fiji Pearls, the national netball team, which has suffered from mismanagement, reflected in their disappointing 16th place ranking globally. The team’s performance woes are being directly linked to a lack of scouting efforts, particularly in the Western regions where several promising players have opted to switch to other sports due to inadequate opportunities.

In response to this outcry, Netball Fiji has acknowledged the need for improved governance and aims to address the concerns during the upcoming SGM. As indicated by previous discussions, this SGM represents a critical opportunity for reform, aiming to enhance collaboration between the governing body and local associations. Stakeholders remain optimistic that these meetings will lead to meaningful changes capable of reinvigorating the sport.

With the collective assertion of the district presidents, there is a palpable hope for revitalizing netball in Fiji, as they aim for stronger leadership that listens to the community’s needs and fosters a nurturing environment for players. This pivotal moment signals a chance for constructive change that could uplift the sport and its future in the region.