The Fiji Men’s netball team is gearing up to host an international tournament next month in Suva, featuring three competing teams: Fiji A, the Tonga national men’s team, and the Aotearoa Net Blacks. This five-day event, scheduled for August 4-8 at the Vodafone Arena in Laucala Bay, is anticipated to be a showcase of talent and sportsmanship, presenting significant stakes for the Fijian squad.
Netball Fiji president RubyAnn Sorovaki emphasized the importance of this tournament as a vital step towards Fiji’s participation in the inaugural Men’s Netball World Cup. She stated, “We are absolutely determined to be part of the first Men’s Netball World Cup, and this tournament is a critical step in that journey.” Sorovaki highlighted that the event aims not only to display regional talent but also to foster unity and momentum among men’s netball teams across the Pacific.
This tournament follows the Fiji men’s team’s recent participation in Australia, where they secured an impressive record of three wins out of five in their last outing at the Australian Men’s & Mixed Netball Association Championship in April. Additionally, they were crowned champions in the Men’s Netball Nations Series held in Singapore last December, showcasing their competitiveness on the international stage.
The upcoming tournament is particularly significant for developing the sport of men’s netball in Fiji. Head coach Jioweli Vakamoce has previously underscored the necessity of such competitions in elevating the profile of men’s netball in Fiji, which has historically received less attention compared to women’s netball. The involvement of strong teams like the Aotearoa Net Blacks promises to add an exciting dimension to the matches.
As anticipation builds among players and supporters alike, the upcoming tournament represents a hopeful chapter for Fiji’s budding men’s netball scene, potentially paving the way for greater recognition and success in future competitions. The commitment of the players and support from the community signifies a bright future for the sport in the region.
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