NETBALL Fiji officials are impressed with the skills level of Fijian players residing in New Zealand.
The Auckland Fijian community netball under-13 and U15 teams are in Fiji touring and playing against school teams in the country.
Yesterday, the Auckland Fijian U13 team defeated Veiuto Primary School U13 43-38 before its U15 side lost to Suva Grammar School U15 27-32.
Netball Fiji secretary Alini Sovu said the skills level displayed by the Auckland Fijian players was commendable. She said they were eyeing a few players who could be called in for the Fiji U21 trials in the future.
Shooters Adi Kula Tabete and Losa Tuifagalele are two of the Auckland-based players who have made it into the Fiji U21 team for the World Youth Championship in Scotland next year.
"The main purpose of the tour is to allow the exposure of the age group players from both countries and at the same time exchange the skills and knowledge of netball," Sovu said.
"They (Auckland Fijians) possess good skills because they have facilities, resources and money to develop their players.
"Our players are good but the visitors stand out because of their skilful play."
Sovu said the Auckland Fijians would play Ratu Navula U15 and the Nadi Selections U13 side this Friday before they return home.
She said plans were in the pipeline to get an Auckland Fijians U19 team to play in the secondary schools competitions next year.
The Auckland Fijians team is led by the president of the Fijian Community in Auckland, Liviana Hide.