The Fiji Pearls netball team is in the process of selecting a new head coach, with only two candidates applying for the position, which was officially announced on November 5. Notably, both applicants are from overseas, as confirmed by Netball Fiji president RubyAnn Sorovaki.
The application period closed on November 22, and Sorovaki indicated that interviews will start within the next two weeks, aiming to finalize the new coach’s appointment before January. This decision follows the announcement that the current coach, Unaisi Rokoura, will soon conclude her tenure this week as she takes her pending leave. Rokoura’s contract was not renewed, and she has submitted her application for the CEO position.
The tenure of both the coach and the CEO has come to an end this year, as they were appointed in late 2021. While the coaching position attracted only two international applicants, Sorovaki mentioned that four local candidates will be interviewed for the CEO role. Both the new coach and the CEO are set to be announced by the end of the month.
In an related note, discussions about a proposed Pacific Series with Netball New Zealand earlier this year have been put on hold. Sorovaki explained that the decision to postpone was intended to ensure the team is better prepared, both in terms of funding and team organization, to meet the associated expectations of hosting such an event.
This situation offers an opportunity for fresh leadership within the Fiji Pearls, which could bring new strategies and perspectives to the team. The focus on local candidates for the CEO role also indicates a commitment to developing homegrown talent, which could be beneficial for the future of Fiji’s netball community.
Overall, the upcoming months could be pivotal for the Fiji Pearls as they work to strengthen their team and leadership structure, paving the way for future successes in the sport.
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