The Fiji men’s national netball team is preparing for its inaugural international tournament, following a recent invitation from Singapore netball, as confirmed by head coach Jioeli Makare. The announcement of the 15-member team is expected this week after trials were held last Saturday at the Fiji National University gymnasium in Nasinu.
The team has been in training for the past six weeks. Makare noted that this marks the first occasion the men’s team will compete overseas, with six countries confirmed for participation: Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, England, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Makare expressed optimism that this event would be the beginning of many international tournaments for the Fiji men’s squad. He mentioned that trials held earlier this year in March included only local players, as there were no overseas-based participants. The trial dates were published on the Netball Fiji page.
He has submitted the final 15 names to the executive committee for approval and hopes to inform the players soon. Additionally, Makare is hopeful about netball becoming an Olympic sport, with World Netball planning to collaborate with Netball Australia to advocate for its inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
In other news, the Suva Swifts triumphed in the Finance Hub Super League by defeating Lautoka 69-35 last Saturday. The team featured several members from the Pearls extended squad, including standout shooter Unaisi Rauluni, who was named the most valuable player (MVP). Other notable players included Avelina Navue, Maliana Rusivakula, and Reama Verekauta.
Head coach Filo Korovulavula dedicated the victory to the Suva Netball Association committee and their sponsors, Netball IGA. She expressed excitement about plans for next year, which include taking a team to Australia, particularly focusing on development players. Korovulavula praised the performance of the team, especially the younger players, and emphasized the importance of senior players supporting them on the court.
Results from the league include:
Final: Suva Swifts 69-35 Lautoka Stars
Fifth-place play-off: Nadroga Stallions 28-61 Baby Pearls Team Kikau
Seventh-place play-off: Nadi 20-30 Tailevu Doves.