The Baby Pearls, Fiji’s under-21 netball team, are diligently preparing for the upcoming World Netball Youth Cup set to take place in Gibraltar this September. Their preparation effort involves rigorous training that began back in April with a competition in Australia as a part of the Netball Queensland U21 circuit, and will continue with their participation in the Invitational tournament.
Under the guidance of head coach Simone Nalatu, the team is emphasizing the importance of providing ample game time for players to gain necessary exposure and experience. Nalatu stated, “We really want to provide more gametime opportunity to our players to get that exposure and to learn because that’s what they’ll need to bring for final selection.”
The upcoming Invitational tournament, scheduled from July 7 to 11 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, will feature formidable teams such as the South Coast Blaze and the New South Wales Fijian U21 squad. This event will serve as a crucial platform for the Baby Pearls to test their skills and adapt to varying styles of play.
Team manager Lusiana Rakavono shared insight into their current preparations, indicating that they have been working steadily since returning from Australia. She noted, “This is the fifth week of our preparation since our trip to Australia, preparation has been going on well,” highlighting scrimmages with the Fiji Men’s team as a successful strategy to increase game intensity and competitiveness.
The team is focusing on reflection and improvement based on their recent training, which includes collaboration with strength and conditioning coaches. “We’ve set out the programs as well to suit whatever is needed in our areas of improvement,” Rakavono added, emphasizing the campaign’s importance in setting a positive tone leading into the World Cup.
Historically, the Baby Pearls, as noted in previous articles, have demonstrated potential and are seen as role models for future netball players in Fiji. Their ongoing commitment to training and competitive exposure presents a bright future for Fijian netball and offers an encouraging outlook for their participation on the international stage.
With their dedication and strategic approach, the Baby Pearls are not only poised to showcase their talent but also serve to inspire the next generation of athletes in Fiji. Their journey reflects the resilience and passion of young Fijians in the sport, underscoring the continuous growth of netball in the region.
Leave a comment