Amena Nacavaraba, a talented 25-year-old basketball player, has made a remarkable transition to men’s netball, leading Fiji to its first Men’s Netball Nations Series title. Nacavaraba was the goal shooter for the Fijian team, which achieved this historic milestone in Singapore earlier this month.
Initially a dedicated basketball athlete competing for various clubs, Nacavaraba received a chance to join the Lomaiviti netball team after a teammate sought players for an open men’s competition. Standing at an impressive height of 2.12 meters (7 feet), he proved to be a natural fit for the shooter position, also possessing the potential to excel in rugby due to his height.
Despite having no prior experience in netball, Nacavaraba applied the skills he honed in basketball to his new sport. With mentorship at the club level, he quickly developed an understanding of netball. His height, precision in shooting, and commitment to improvement caught the attention of the national coach, Jioweli Makare, leading to his selection for the national team.
Balancing sports with academics posed challenges, as Nacavaraba is a double major student at the University of the South Pacific, studying chemistry and biology. He emphasized the importance of time management, creating a solid routine to balance training with his studies. “It took a lot of self-discipline and dedication,” he said, reflecting on the effort required.
Making his international debut, Nacavaraba thrived under pressure during the finals against Australia, where Fiji triumphed with a nail-biting 55-54 victory. He credited his coach and team’s preparation for their success, sharing insights into his mental preparation before games. His experience playing against formidable teams like New Zealand and Australia was not only eye-opening but served as a great learning opportunity.
Now celebrating his success on the netball court, Nacavaraba is also interested in expanding his athletic repertoire by learning volleyball, paralleling his teammate Nacanieli Goneyali, who plays both sports.
This inspiring journey illustrates how dedication, adaptability, and a willingness to seize new opportunities can lead to extraordinary achievements. Nacavaraba’s success is a testament to the idea that sometimes, following a different path can yield remarkable rewards, and it showcases the growing recognition and potential of men’s netball in Fiji.
In summary, Amena Nacavaraba’s ascent from basketball to becoming a netball champion serves as an encouraging reminder of the power of hard work and versatility in sports. His story is an inspiration for athletes everywhere, proving that with the right mindset and effort, success can be achieved in unexpected ways.
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