Jioweli Vakamoce’s journey as a netball coach is a remarkable tale of passion, growth, and transformation. His coaching career kicked off in 2008 when he was appointed to lead the Suva 2 women’s team during the Netball Super League. Although they faced defeat against Suva 1 in the finals, this marked the inception of his involvement in netball.
Initially, Vakamoce did not envision coaching as his long-term pathway. However, he continued to lend his expertise to his Alumni Netball Club whenever required. His coaching trajectory took a significant turn in 2021 when he volunteered with Netball Fiji, assisting in the preparation of the Fiji Pearls for the World Cup qualifiers and the World Championship in 2023. This experience ignited his passion for coaching and revealed the importance of skill development, leading him to pursue coaching accreditation through Netball Australia, supported by Netball Fiji.
In addition to his coaching endeavors, Vakamoce balanced a full-time role as a senior administrative officer at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services while taking on a part-time coaching position at the University of the South Pacific in 2023. Juggling these responsibilities only fueled his dedication to the sport.
A landmark achievement in Vakamoce’s coaching career was leading the Crest Fiji Men’s netball team to victory in the Men’s Nations Series in Singapore last year, where they triumphed over the Australian under-20 team 55-54 in the Merlion Netball Cup. This win marked Fiji’s first international competition since 2004, and it was a significant accomplishment for both him and the team. “I continue to do this because of my passion for this sport,” Vakamoce expressed, underscoring his commitment to coaching.
Currently, he finds himself in a temporary head coach role for the Fiji Pearls as they prepare for the upcoming PacAusSports Series in Brisbane next month. While this position presents both excitement and challenges, Vakamoce is focused on improving the team’s fitness and combinations within a tight five to six-week timeframe. “With the support I’m getting, I’m confident we can achieve our goal,” he stated.
Despite the challenges of managing both teams, Vakamoce is equipped with strong support and adaptable strategies. He emphasizes communication as a vital aspect of his coaching philosophy, stating, “Communication is key in everything.” He is conscious of aligning his coaching schedules with Netball Fiji’s objectives, ensuring that any pressing issues are addressed collaboratively.
From his humble beginnings as a volunteer coach to achieving significant victories and now leading the Fiji Pearls, Jioweli Vakamoce’s journey is a testament to his unwavering passion and commitment to netball. His dedication not only inspires those around him but also positions him for continued success in the sport.
Optimistically, as he embarks on the next chapter of his coaching career, Vakamoce’s story serves as a reminder that with dedication and a clear vision, one can make remarkable strides in any field.
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