Members of the Fiji Pearls, the national netball team, have brought several management and welfare concerns to light following their participation in the PacificAus Sports series in Brisbane, Australia, where they finished fourth. In a letter addressed to Netball Fiji president RubyAnn Sorovaki, senior players, including co-captain Kalesi Tawake, outlined issues such as unpaid allowances and inadequate organization during their stay.
The players reported receiving a mere $20 as an airport allowance when departing from Nadi and claimed they did not receive any allowance upon leaving Brisbane. They alleged that although they were promised a total of $250 in allowances, only $150 was initially paid, with the remaining $100 contingent upon the return of their playing and travel kits.
Concerns over poor living conditions were also raised, with players stating that after exhausting matches, there was no dinner arranged at their accommodation. The letter further criticized the lack of nutritional meals, mentioning that the team’s official cook was often left to prepare late-night meals, which often included substandard food options. Players expressed that inadequate nutrition and rest adversely affect their health and performance, contributing to a sense of frustration and low morale.
This situation is compounded by the collective dissatisfaction among players leading them to extend their support for a motion of no confidence against the current Netball Fiji leadership, echoing sentiments shared by 15 district netball presidents who have outlined grievances regarding governance, transparency, and mismanagement.
The upcoming Special General Meeting, scheduled for today at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Suva, presents an opportunity for stakeholders to engage and address these pressing issues. With a collective voice demanding transparency and a more experienced management team, there is hope for meaningful reforms that could improve the welfare of players in the Fiji Pearls and the future of netball in Fiji.
This moment might serve as a crucial turning point for the sport, as uniting efforts focused on addressing these issues could pave the way for improved governance and a better overall environment for athletes, enhancing not only their experiences but also their competitive performances on international stages.
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