The Fiji Pearls invitational netball team secured a solid victory over the British Army invitational side with a final score of 48-36 during a friendly match held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva yesterday. The match saw Fiji leading throughout, ending the first quarter at 13-9, the second quarter at 21-19, and finishing with a score of 35-27 by the end of the third.
Team manager Jofiliti Veikoso highlighted the team’s impressive adaptation despite a short preparation period, largely thanks to the inclusion of players from the Baby Pearls under-21 squad, who had just returned from competing in the World Netball Youth Cup in Gibraltar. Veikoso noted, “We just had a very short time in preparation for this tournament, you know that the under-21 just came back… so the team make-up today was a mixture of under-21 girls and the Fiji Pearls.”
Former Fiji Pearls player Alisi Nawele, representing the British Army, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play back on home soil and acknowledged the support from family and fans. “We are really happy to be here, really happy to be home,” she remarked, noting the presence of herself and two other Fijian players within her team, both of whom are also former Fiji Pearls.
This friendly match was organized by the Petero Civoniceva Foundation, which aims to foster sporting events that allow athletes to showcase their talents. The Fiji Pearls’ performance not only demonstrates their readiness for upcoming competitions but also serves as a promising testament to the growth and potential of netball in Fiji. As teams continue to blend experience with emerging talent, the future looks bright for Fijian netball on both the national and international stages.