The Fiji Pearls head coach position, which was advertised on November 5, has attracted only two applicants, both of whom are from overseas. This information was confirmed by RubyAnn Sorovaki, the president of Netball Fiji. The application period closed on November 22, and interviews for the candidates are set to take place within the next two weeks. The aim is to appoint a new coach before January.
Outgoing coach Unaisi Rokoura announced that this week would mark her final one in the role, as she will be taking her pending leave. Rokoura’s contract was not renewed, and she has submitted her application to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Netball Fiji. Both she and the outgoing CEO’s three-year terms concluded this year, following their respective appointments in December and September 2021.
In addition, Sorovaki mentioned that there are four local candidates for the CEO position, and these applicants will also be interviewed. The new appointments for both the head coach and CEO are expected to be announced by the end of this month.
Regarding the previously discussed Pacific Series with Netball New Zealand, Sorovaki stated that the decision to cancel it was made to allow for better preparations, considering potential funding opportunities and the expectations associated with hosting such an event.
Overall, while the limited number of applicants for the coaching position might appear concerning, it also presents a focused opportunity for the Fiji Pearls to select a coach with international experience who can bring fresh perspectives to the team. The concerted efforts to analyze local talent for the CEO role and the commitment to creating a well-prepared team for future competitions illustrate Netball Fiji’s strategic approach to building a stronger foundation for the sport in Fiji.
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