The Fiji Pearls invitational netball team achieved a commendable victory against the British Army invitational side, concluding the friendly match with a score of 48-36 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva yesterday. The Fiji team maintained their lead throughout the game, wrapping up the first quarter at 13-9 and extending their advantage by the half with a score of 21-19. By the end of the third quarter, they were ahead 35-27.
Team manager Jofiliti Veikoso praised the squad’s remarkable adaptability during a short preparation period. This was largely attributed to the inclusion of players from the Baby Pearls under-21 team, who had just returned from the World Netball Youth Cup in Gibraltar. Veikoso commented on the team dynamics, stating, “We just had a very short time in preparation for this tournament… so the team make-up today was a mixture of under-21 girls and the Fiji Pearls.”
Alisi Nawele, a former Fiji Pearls player now competing for the British Army, expressed her happiness in returning to play on home soil, highlighting the support from family and fans. “We are really happy to be here, really happy to be home,” she said, mentioning that she was joined by two other Fijian players on her team, both of whom also have ties to the Fiji Pearls.
This friendly match was orchestrated by the Petero Civoniceva Foundation, which aims to create opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills. The performance of the Fiji Pearls not only signifies their readiness for future competitions but also reflects the ongoing development and potential of netball in Fiji. As the team continues to merge experienced players with emerging talent, the outlook for Fijian netball remains optimistic on both national and international levels.