Jioweli Vakamoce’s coaching journey exemplifies a deep-rooted passion and a commitment to growth within the realm of netball. Beginning in 2008, he took the helm of the Suva 2 women’s team in the Netball Super League. Despite a loss in the finals to Suva 1, this marked the onset of his involvement in netball coaching. Initially, Vakamoce did not view coaching as a long-term profession; however, he continued to support his Alumni Netball Club with coaching efforts as needed.
His real coaching trajectory gained momentum in 2021 when he volunteered with Netball Fiji to help prepare the Fiji Pearls for the World Cup qualifiers and the 2023 World Championship. This pivotal experience ignited his passion for coaching and underscored the necessity for skill enhancement. With support from Netball Fiji, he completed two levels of Coaching Accreditation through Netball Australia, further solidifying his credentials.
In 2023, while still working as a senior administrative officer at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Vakamoce accepted a part-time coaching position at the University of the South Pacific. His unwavering passion for coaching and netball has only intensified, leading to a key milestone: guiding the Crest Fiji Men’s netball team to success at the Men’s Nations Series in Singapore, where they triumphed over the Australian under-20 team to secure the Merlion Netball Cup, marking Fiji’s first international outing since 2004.
Reflecting on his commitment, Vakamoce stated, “I continue to do this because of my passion for this sport.” Currently, he is temporarily stepping into the role of head coach for the Fiji Pearls as they prepare for the upcoming PacAusSports Series in Brisbane. Although he faces the challenge of preparing the team in just five to six weeks, he remains focused on fitness and team dynamics, confident in his and his team’s capability to reach their objectives.
Acknowledging the demand of balancing responsibilities between teams, Vakamoce believes effective management and a flexible approach will lead to successful implementation. He emphasizes the importance of communication, noting, “Communication is key in everything.” By aligning his coaching schedules with the objectives of Netball Fiji, he aims to nurture open dialogue about any challenges that arise.
Jioweli Vakamoce’s evolution from volunteer coach to a leader of an internationally recognized team illustrates his steadfast dedication and passion for netball. As he embraces new challenges with the Fiji Pearls, his ongoing journey is a testament to the uplifting spirit of commitment and perseverance in sports. His enthusiasm for coaching not only inspires players but also places him on a promising path toward future successes.
This story highlights the importance of passion, dedication, and community support in sports coaching, offering hope to aspiring coaches and athletes navigating their own paths in competitive fields.
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