Jioweli Vakamoce’s coaching journey is a testament to his passion and dedication to netball. It all began in 2008 when he was appointed as the coach of the Suva 2 women’s team in the Netball Super League. Although his initial campaign ended with a loss to Suva 1 in the finals, it marked a significant starting point in his coaching career.

Initially, Vakamoce did not see coaching as a potential long-term career and continued to assist his Alumni Netball Club whenever he could. However, his real transformation into a dedicated coach happened in 2021 when he offered his services to Netball Fiji, helping prepare the Fiji Pearls for the World Cup qualifiers and 2023 World Championship. This critical experience ignited his passion for coaching, prompting him to enhance his skills further.

Netball Fiji facilitated his growth by enabling him to complete two levels of Coaching Accreditation through Netball Australia. In 2023, alongside his full-time job as a senior administrative officer at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, he also took on a part-time coaching position at the University of the South Pacific.

A highlight of Vakamoce’s coaching career occurred when he led the Crest Fiji Men’s netball team to victory at the Men’s Nations Series in Singapore, where they triumphed over the Australian under-20 team, securing the Merlion Netball Cup. This victory not only marked Fiji’s first international outing since 2004 but also solidified his reputation as a capable coach in the international arena.

As he steps into a temporary role as the head coach for the Fiji Pearls in preparation for the PacAusSports Series in Brisbane next month, Vakamoce feels both excitement and the weight of responsibility. With only five to six weeks to prepare the team, he emphasizes the importance of fitness and team combinations during this intensive period.

Despite the challenges of managing two teams simultaneously, Vakamoce is supported by strong management and adaptable strategies. He believes communication is fundamental to a successful coaching philosophy, aiming to align his plans with the goals of Netball Fiji.

From his humble beginnings to leading teams to international success, Jioweli Vakamoce embodies the spirit of dedication and growth in the world of netball, signaling a bright future ahead for both himself and the teams he guides.

In summary, Jioweli Vakamoce’s journey from a volunteer coach to the head coach of the Fiji Pearls showcases his commitment and passion for the sport. As he prepares for upcoming challenges, his experiences and dedication offer an inspiring example for aspiring coaches and athletes.