Tamahine representative and former Fiji Pearls captain Matila Waqanidrola made her much-anticipated appearance in the Vodafone Fiji Cup, which commenced this morning in Laucala Bay, Suva. Though her team narrowly lost to Zodiac Wyverns with a score of 32-31 in their opener, Waqanidrola highlighted the talent and speed of her younger teammates, remarking on their potential and spirit.
Waqanidrola stated, “Just to get on the court, just to help these young girls. There’s really a lot of young talented players in basketball. I was thrilled when they asked me to come and add to the team… I don’t know if I’ve provided a boost to the players, but they are really fast.” This sentiment reflects her commitment to mentoring the next generation of athletes, showcasing her passion for the sport.
The former competitor hasn’t played at a competitive level since the Olympic qualifiers in 2009, but her experience continues to resonate in the Fijian sports community. Notably, she made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2019 Netball World Cup to allow younger athletes a chance, showing her dedication to fostering new talent.
The Fiji Cup will see a total of 12 matches played over the course of the tournament, with live coverage of the men’s and women’s finals available on FBC TV. The event presents a significant opportunity for these players to demonstrate their skills and for spectators to rally behind their local teams, exemplifying the growing support and enthusiasm for women’s sports in Fiji.
Building on Waqanidrola’s mentorship role, this tournament is not just about competition but also about community growth and inspiring future generations. As more platforms emerge for women’s sports, there is hope for continued development and recognition of local talents in basketball and beyond, marking a positive outlook for athletics in the region.
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