Jioweli Vakamoce’s coaching journey is a compelling narrative of passion, progress, and opportunity within the realm of netball. His coaching career began in 2008 when he took the reins of the Suva 2 women’s team in the Netball Super League. Although they were bested by Suva 1 in the finals, this experience initiated his commitment to the sport.
Initially, Vakamoce did not envision coaching as a lifelong career path, but he remained active by providing coaching support to his Alumni Netball Club when required. His significant coaching evolution took place in 2021 when he volunteered with Netball Fiji to prepare the Fiji Pearls for the World Cup qualifiers and World Championship scheduled for 2023. This opportunity ignited his passion for coaching, prompting him to seek further development.
Netball Fiji recognized his dedication, facilitating his completion of two levels of Coaching Accreditation from Netball Australia. In 2023, he simultaneously began a part-time coaching position at the University of the South Pacific while maintaining his full-time job at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. This balancing act only fueled his enthusiasm for coaching and netball.
A notable highlight of Vakamoce’s career occurred last year when he led the Crest Fiji Men’s netball team to victory in Singapore’s Men’s Nations Series, clinching the Merlion Netball Cup by narrowly defeating the Australian under-20 team. This triumph marked Fiji’s first international appearance in netball since 2004, making it a proud achievement for both Vakamoce and his team.
Currently, he is stepping into a temporary role as the head coach for the Fiji Pearls, gearing up for the PacAusSports Series in Brisbane next month. With a tight preparation schedule of five to six weeks ahead, Vakamoce is focused on enhancing team fitness and building effective team combinations. He acknowledges the challenges of managing both the men’s team and the Pearls, yet he feels equipped with solid management support and flexible plans.
Vakamoce’s coaching philosophy strongly emphasizes communication. He believes that productive communication is essential to align his coaching strategies with Netball Fiji’s objectives and address any concerns as they arise.
From his initial volunteer days to now leading national teams, Jioweli Vakamoce’s journey is a testament to his unwavering passion and commitment to netball. As he embarks on new challenges with the Fiji Pearls, his story serves as an inspiring example of how dedication and hard work in sport can pave the way for success and influence future generations.
In summary, Vakamoce’s commitment not only enhances the sport’s profile in Fiji but also inspires aspiring athletes and coaches to pursue their passions. His journey reflects that with determination and the right opportunities, significant achievements are within reach.
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