The recent success of the Crest Fiji men’s netball team at the Nations Cup in Singapore has paved the way for exciting future opportunities. Following their impressive 55-54 victory over the Australia Under-20 team, which secured them the Merlion Cup, the team has been invited back for next year’s Men’s Nations Cup and will also compete in an upcoming tournament in Australia. This was confirmed by RubyAnn Sorovaki, the president of Netball Fiji.
Sorovaki highlighted this victory as a significant achievement for the federation in 2023, alongside the planned inclusion of the Pearls in the 2025 PacificAus Sports series. She expressed gratitude towards the Fijian government and the Fiji National Sports Commission for their support, which has enabled funding for local tournaments and an Under-21 Tri Nations Cup, as well as international competitions for the men’s team.
Looking ahead, there are plans for a 17-and-under tournament, contingent on sponsorship and funding, aimed at developing new talent as current players transition into the senior Pearls team. Sorovaki also mentioned that the Fiji Pearls maintained their 14th rank last year and won the Organization of the Year award at the 2023 National Sports Awards—a testament to their steady growth in the sport.
There have been significant advancements in technical skills, including the upskilling of officials and the participation of top umpire Litia Rabitu in regional qualifiers for the Netball World Youth Cup in the Cook Islands. Funding from World Netball has also been secured for governance improvements, and training sessions for administrators and volunteers are being organized nationwide to promote netball throughout Fiji.
As Netball Fiji prepares for the future, a new chief executive officer and head coach for the Pearls are expected to be announced soon, further solidifying the organization’s commitment to the sport.
This positive trajectory reflects the dedication of Netball Fiji to foster talent and expand the reach of netball in the country, promising an exciting future for both the men’s and women’s teams.
In summary, Crest Fiji’s achievements are not just milestones but stepping stones for broader development in netball, showcasing a commitment to nurturing talent and increasing participation in the sport across Fiji.
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