Leaders from the various Western Netball Associations in Fiji are urging Netball Fiji President RubyAnn Sorovaki to place a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability as they approach a Special General Meeting (SGM) scheduled for this Saturday. This meeting will convene 15 netball association presidents, who have voiced increasing dissatisfaction with the current executive committee’s governance and performance. Concerns have been raised regarding negligence and a perceived disengagement from grassroots netball.
Dorothy Prasad, the president of Lautoka Netball, echoed the sentiments of the Western associations, which include Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Ra, Rakiraki, Tavua, and Vatukaloko. She called for enhanced governance practices and pointed out the stagnation of netball’s growth in Fiji, suggesting that the executive committee has prioritized personal interests over the needs of district associations.
Earlier discussions at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) highlighted similar issues affecting the Fiji Pearls, the national netball team, which has faced mismanagement, resulting in a disappointing 16th place ranking in the world. The team’s struggles are attributed to inadequate scouting efforts, particularly in the Western regions, leading to promising players opting for other sports due to a lack of opportunities.
In light of these concerns, Netball Fiji has recognized the crucial need for reform and is eager to address these issues during the forthcoming SGM. Previous discussions have indicated that the meeting could pave the way for positive changes aimed at fostering collaboration between the governing body and local associations. Numerous stakeholders are hopeful that these engagements will lead to substantial changes that can rejuvenate the sport.
With the united front presented by the district presidents, there is optimism for a revitalization of netball in Fiji. They are advocating for leadership that effectively listens to the community and nurtures the growth of players. This moment represents a significant opportunity for constructive changes that may greatly enhance the future of the sport in the region.
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