Jioweli Vakamoce’s coaching journey is characterized by a deep passion for netball and a commitment to personal growth and team success. His coaching career took off in 2008 when he led the Suva 2 women’s team in the Netball Super League. Although the team finished as runners-up, this experience sparked his involvement in the sport.
Initially not aiming for a long-term coaching career, Vakamoce began volunteering with the Alumni Netball Club. His coaching path shifted in 2021 when he volunteered with Netball Fiji to prepare the Fiji Pearls for the World Cup qualifiers and the World Championship set for 2023. This experience ignited his enthusiasm for coaching, pushing him to further develop his skills. Supported by Netball Fiji, he completed two levels of Coaching Accreditation through Netball Australia, enhancing his expertise.
In 2023, Vakamoce took on a part-time coaching role at the University of the South Pacific while continuing his full-time job at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. His love for coaching flourished alongside a hectic schedule.
A significant milestone in his career occurred when he led the Crest Fiji Men’s netball team to victory at the Men’s Nations Series in Singapore, securing the Merlion Netball Cup against the Australian under-20 team. This victory represented Fiji’s first international outing in nearly two decades, bringing pride to Vakamoce and the team.
Now, he has transitioned to a temporary role as the head coach for the Fiji Pearls, tasked with preparing the team for the upcoming PacAusSports Series in Brisbane next month. With a tight timeline of five to six weeks, his immediate priorities include team fitness and building effective player combinations.
Despite the challenges of balancing coaching responsibilities for both the men’s and women’s teams, Vakamoce is well-prepared, surrounded by a supportive management team. His coaching philosophy emphasizes communication, which he believes is essential for aligning coaching schedules with Netball Fiji’s goals.
From his beginnings as a volunteer coach to leading teams to success on international stages, Jioweli Vakamoce’s journey is a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication. His commitment to the sport and his team is sure to yield more successes in the future and potentially inspire aspiring coaches in Fiji.
This dynamic story highlights the potential for growth and achievement in coaching, reinforcing that with passion and commitment, individuals can make significant impacts in their fields.
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