NETBALL Fiji has invested $50,000 on the invitational team made up of members of the Fiji Pearls extended squad which will participate at the Super Club competition in Nelson New Zealand from 2-7 of July.
President Wainikiti Bogidrau said this event was a global club competition organised by Netball New Zealand that would feature eight teams from NZ ANZ premiership alongside the Fijian team called the Marama Vou.
“This competition is important for us as we have not played any Test matches in the last two years,” Bogidrau said.
Bogidrau said they would use this opportunity to blood some of their pcoming players and a crucial buildup to other international matches.
“As this is not a Test match, our participation at this event will be fully funded by Netball Fiji with subsidies provided by NNZ.
“It is well worth the investment given the benefits and opportunities it presents to our athletes as we prepare ourselves for the Commonwealth Games next year and the Netball World Cup in 2019,” she said.
She also announced that former national coach and player Una Rokoura will coach the Marama Vou team and managed by Ruby Ann Sorovaki.
“We’re excited to have Una back with Netball Fiji after her stint with PNG netball.
“She comes with a wealth of experience and has been coaching the team over the last two months.
“Una has been working with our head coach Vicki Wilson over the past three months,” she said.
Three under-19 players in the team, Elenoa Gukirewa, Laniana Naisamu and Kalesi Tawake participated in the Digicel Punjas International U19 competition last month.
Marama Vou team
Afa Rusivakula, Maria Lutua, Brooke Leaver, Nina Cirikisuva, Vaiti Waqatabu, Elenoa Gukirewa, Alesi Waqa, Erikana Pedersen, Raijeli Daveua, Kalesi Tawake, Kelera Nawai, and Laniana Naisamu.
