The Fiji men’s national netball team is preparing for its first international tournament after receiving an invitation from Singapore netball, as announced by head coach Jioeli Makare. The national team, which has an extended squad that has been training for the past six weeks, will finalize its 15-member roster this week following trials held last Saturday at the Fiji National University gymnasium in Nasinu.
This marks a significant milestone as the team will be traveling overseas for an international competition for the first time. Six countries will participate, including Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, England, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Makare expressed hopes that this tournament will pave the way for more international opportunities for the Fiji men’s netball team.
He noted that earlier trials held in March did not include overseas-based players, focusing solely on local talent. The finalized names for the team have been submitted to the executive committee for approval, with an announcement expected soon.
In addition to the men’s competition, Makare is optimistic about the future of netball as an Olympic sport, following World Netball’s collaboration with Netball Australia to advocate for netball’s inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
In related news, the Suva Swifts triumphed in the Finance Hub Super League by defeating Lautoka Stars 69-35 last Saturday. The team featured members of the Pearls extended squad, including standout shooter Unaisi Rauluni, who was named the most valuable player (MVP).
Coach Filo Korovulavula dedicated the victory to the Suva Netball Association and sponsors Netball IGA, expressing eagerness for next year’s competition, with plans to send a team to Australia, particularly focusing on developing players. She praised both the senior and young players for their collaborative performance on the court.
The results from the league are as follows:
Final: Suva Swifts 69-35 Lautoka Stars
Fifth-place playoff: Nadroga Stallions 28-61 Baby Pearls Team Kikau
Seventh-place playoff: Nadi 20-30 Tailevu Doves.