As the Baby Pearls prepare to embark on their journey to the World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, coach Simone Nalatu is meticulously finalizing the team’s game plan and reinforcing the players’ confidence. After two intensive weeks in camp, where player roles and responsibilities were emphasized, the squad is set to embark on their trip this Friday. The upcoming competition marks the culmination of two years’ preparation, fostering excitement and anticipation among the team members.
Coach Nalatu has highlighted the importance of confidence and belief, attributes that have been carefully nurtured over the past fortnight. The Baby Pearls will face Trinidad & Tobago in their World Cup opener next Friday, as part of a tough pool featuring South Africa, Malawi, and Barbados. The tournament will run from September 19-28.
The team’s build-up to the World Cup has been comprehensive. It included rigorous training regimens, community engagement, and strategic match practice against other under-21 teams and Fiji’s Men’s netball team. This rigorous preparation serves to elevate their game tempo and intensity, equipping them to handle the pressures of international competition.
Additionally, the inclusion of overseas-based players is expected to add depth and experience to the squad, further bolstering their chances for a competitive showing. The Baby Pearls’ ambitions also align with a broader mission to elevate the profile of netball in Fiji. Through their performance on the global stage, they hope to inspire future generations and enhance the sport’s popularity locally.
As the team sets off, they carry with them not just the hopes of success at the World Cup, but a commitment to unveiling the potential of Fijian talent on the international stage. The anticipation and optimism surrounding their preparations reflect Fiji’s growing prominence in youth netball and a promising future for the sport in the region.
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