Veteran netball player Adi Vakaoca Bolakoro has emphasized the importance of discipline among young players in the Fiji Pearls national team as they strive to evolve into senior competitors. Bolakoro’s call for dedication follows her participation in a recent friendly match between the British Army’s invitational team and the Fiji Pearls at the Vodafone Arena, where the Pearls claimed victory with a score of 48-36.
Currently serving with the British Army’s Royal Engineers, Bolakoro has encouraged the young netball talents to stay confident and focused on their development. “Keep doing what they are doing right now and I think it’s more of maintaining discipline throughout and just keep believing in themselves,” she advised. Bolakoro believes that maintaining this discipline is crucial for the players to realize their potential and continue to improve.
The Fiji Pearls’ squad for the friendly match prominently featured under-21 players who recently participated in the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, an experience Bolakoro noted significantly benefited their performance. She expressed her admiration for their growth, remarking, “The high performance from the girls today was amazing, I could see a major difference from the last time I played with them.”
The game not only allowed the younger players to shine but also showed the potential these rising stars possess when complemented by seasoned players like Bolakoro. The match, organized by the Petero Civoniceva Foundation in cooperation with the Fiji Sports Commission, provided a valuable platform for athletes to showcase their skills and further promoted the spirit of camaraderie in sports.
As the Fiji Pearls look to bolster their position in international netball, Bolakoro’s insights reflect a hopeful vision for the future of netball in Fiji. The combination of youthful enthusiasm and experienced mentorship appears to be paving a promising path, as the community rallies behind these players in their quest for excellence on the global stage. With strong support and a commitment to growth, the future of netball in Fiji is filled with potential and optimism.
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