The Fiji men’s national netball team is preparing for its first international tournament, following an invitation from Singapore netball. Head coach Jioeli Makare is set to announce the 15-member squad this week after trials held last Saturday at the Fiji National University gymnasium in Nasinu.
The training for the extended team began six weeks ago, and this marks the first occasion the men’s team will compete overseas. Six nations have confirmed their participation, including Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, England, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Makare expressed optimism that this will pave the way for more international tournaments for the Fiji men’s side.
He noted that the earlier trials in March did not include any overseas-based players, as only local talents participated. Makare has submitted a final roster of 15 players to the executive committee and expects to announce the team later this week.
Additionally, Makare is hopeful for netball’s inclusion as an Olympic sport, following World Netball’s plan to collaborate with Netball Australia to advocate for netball’s presence at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
In other news, the Suva Swifts claimed victory in the Finance Hub Super League, decisively defeating Lautoka 69-35 last Saturday. The team included members of the Pearls extended squad, with Unaisi Rauluni earning the title of most valuable player (MVP). Other notable players included Avelina Navue, Maliana Rusivakula, and Reama Verekauta.
Head coach Filo Korovulavula dedicated the win to the Suva Netball Association committee and sponsors Netball IGA, expressing excitement for next year as they plan to send a team to Australia, particularly focusing on developing players. She praised the performance of the younger athletes on the team, highlighting their integration with senior players.
In the final match results, Suva Swifts triumphed over Lautoka Stars 69-35, while the Nadroga Stallions were defeated by Baby Pearls Team Kikau 28-61 in the fifth-place play-off. The seventh-place match saw Nadi lose to Tailevu Doves 20-30.