The Fiji Baby Pearls, the under-21 netball team, are nearing the final stages of their selection process for the Netball World Youth Cup with two crucial upcoming matches against Australian under-21 teams. These invitational matches, scheduled from July 7 to 11 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, will not only serve to refine their skills but also to determine which players will make the final squad for the tournament in Gibraltar this September.
Head coach Simone Nalatu expressed a positive outlook on the team’s training environment, stating that the players from both Fiji and overseas have been integrating well. “The atmosphere has been great. The local girls have done a wonderful job welcoming our overseas-based players in,” she remarked. The Baby Pearls will be divided into two teams, Kacau and Kikau, allowing for competitive gameplay during the series.
These matches against the Blaze Netball under-21 side and the New South Wales Fijian under-21 team will test the Baby Pearls’ strategies and combination plays, crucial for their preparation ahead of the World Cup. “Each player will be given the opportunity to put their best foot forward,” Nalatu noted, indicating that the games will help coaches identify which players can maintain consistency and perform under pressure.
The invitation coincides with meaningful support from organizations like Netball Fiji and the Fiji National Sports Commission, which are essential in fostering the development of netball in Fiji. Such collaborations not only elevate the profile of the sport but also inspire young athletes throughout the region.
With rigorous training and a supportive community, the Baby Pearls are not just preparing to represent Fiji but are also contributing to the future growth and prominence of netball in the region. Their journey is built on dedication and teamwork, reflecting a hopeful trajectory as they approach their international competition. The upcoming tournament holds the potential to not only sharpen their skills but also ignite the passion of future generations of netball players in Fiji.
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