Sports News in Brief
New officials
THE Nasinu Netball Association (NNA) has named three development program co-ordinators to look into key areas of the association this year. During its annual general meeting at FASANOC House in Suva on Thursday evening, the association decided to focus more on the development of its officials. Association president Alini Sovu confirmed former Fiji under-21 assistant coach Alumeci Vosararawa looks after the coaching department. Other appointments were Losalini Bainivalu in charge of the umpires and Ledua Vaka looking after the bench officials. Sera Vakaloloma was named new vice-president focusing on development, David Whippy as the secretary, Veronica Sovatabua the treasurer and Ragni Raju and Naina Nagatalevu as the executive members.
Sanday unopposed
REG Sanday will go unopposed for the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) president's post. This after the only other nominee, Doctor Robin Mitchell declined the nomination citing other commitments. Dr Mitchell, who is the Oceania National Olympic Committee president, said he was aware of his nomination for the post. "I was in a meeting in Sydney and there was communication on emails and online so my name was put down to meet the deadline," he said. "So when I came back I declined the nomination because there is no way you can do it. It's a big job and you have to have time to do that." Dr Mitchell, who is also an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, had served two terms as the FASANOC president previously. The FASANOC annual general meeting will be held on March 27.
Rivals face-off
TRADITIONAL island rivals Moce I and Yadrana will face-off on the cricket pitch today. This time, it will be in the cup semi-final of the Suva Cricket Association competition. Association president Adriu Misiki has predicted a cracker of a match as the two teams try and maintain the reputation that both sides have built in the sport. "Both teams will be out to secure their reputation in the sport when they face-off tomorrow (today)," he said. "Moce I have some good batsmen like Iliesa Navatu, Iniasi Cakacaka and youngster Viliame Yabaki. Yadrana had been creating surprises during this season and they will be hoping to create another tomorrow (today)."
Football clean-up
THE Fiji Football Association has called for a major clean-up in the Tailevu North Football Association. The association was relegated to associate membership from the premier division last year following investigation which stated that the district had no system and structure in place. Last week, Fiji FA stepped in and appointed an interim administration to re-organise the district. The interim administration will be led by former Tailevu North president Hirday Lakhan who was also a player of the district in the 1980s and used to be a member of the Fiji National Rugby League. "The first step is to get the players properly registered and issued new and valid licences," Lakhan said. "The board got to business straight away because we have a lot of catching up to do as other districts were well into their season competitions," he said.
New leader
FORMER national number one Jiten Prasad has overtaken Deepak J Ram on the Southern Snooker League points table following victories in round four and five. Prasad beat former national champion Viliame Umu in the final of round five of the Carz and Carz-sponsored tournament in Nausori last Sunday. He received 60 points from the two wins which added to his 10 points for the reaching the quarter-finals in round one and 15 points each for playing the semi-finals of round two and three, took his total to 100 points. Tournament official Riffat Bhatti said Prasad had been in good form recently and could become the national number one again this year.
Gregan visit
FORMER Wallaby great George Gregan made a special visit to students of the Nadi Special School yesterday. The 139-Test veteran arrived in the country on Wednesday to play in a charity golf tournament in Nadi. On the invitation of the Hilton Resort and Spa, Gregan gave out 120 T-shirts to the students which they will wear during sports activities. He also gave sound advice to the Hilton rugby team during a training session.