The recent victory of the Crest Fiji men’s netball team at the Nations Cup in Singapore has paved the way for exciting new opportunities. Netball Fiji president RubyAnn Sorovaki announced that the team has been invited to participate in next year’s Men’s Nations Cup and will also take part in a tournament in Australia.
One of the standout moments for the Fiji men’s team this year was their narrow victory over the Australia Under-20 side, with a score of 55-54, which resulted in winning the prestigious Merlion Cup. Sorovaki mentioned that the 2025 schedule would also see the team engaged in the Pearls’ PacificAus Sports series.
In her statements, Sorovaki showed appreciation for the support provided by the Government through the Fiji National Sports Commission, which has facilitated funding for various local tournaments, including an Under-21 Tri Nations Cup and an international men’s event. She also highlighted efforts to foster young talent, mentioning plans to host a tournament for players aged 17 and under, aimed at scouting the next generation of players as the current teams transition.
The Netball Fiji federation also celebrated successes, including the Fiji Pearls maintaining their rank as 14th in the world and receiving an award for organization of the year at the 2023 National Sports Awards. Additionally, experiences gained from the U21 team’s participation in the Cook Islands have been noted as significant learning moments.
There are also plans for training initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills of administrators, technical officials, and volunteers, along with rallies planned across the country to promote netball participation. The announcement of a new chief executive officer and head coach for the Fiji Pearls is anticipated in the near future.
Overall, this exciting development reflects not only the hard work put in by the teams but also a strong framework of support and a commitment to excellence in netball in Fiji.
Comments: This growing momentum in netball is a positive sign for Fiji’s sports culture, indicating that investment in youth and development programs could bear fruit in future competitions. As the sport continues to thrive, it may also inspire increased participation among young players in Fiji.
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