Elenoa Gukirewa, a contender for the starting position on the Fiji Pearls national netball team, is gearing up for the team’s campaign leading to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The team kicked off their training regimen last Saturday with a dynamic camp at Vodafone Arena, signaling the beginning of serious preparations.
Having played netball since her school days at St. Joseph, Gukirewa is no stranger to the sport. She specializes in the goal defender and goalkeeper positions. However, the rise of new, talented players has intensified the competition for a spot on the squad. “It’s tough because there are so many promising players coming through,” Gukirewa commented as she reflects on the challenges ahead. She plans to concentrate on her fitness to secure her place in the national lineup for the upcoming qualifiers.
The recent training camp proved to be a pivotal experience for Gukirewa and her peers, offering them a chance to sharpen their skills and assess their fitness levels after the offseason. The session included a range of fitness assessments and match simulations, fostering unity as both the men’s and women’s teams trained side by side. Gukirewa shared her enthusiasm about being back on the court, stating, “It felt great to be back on the court, pushing myself alongside my friends and teammates.”
As the World Cup qualifiers draw near, the Fiji Pearls are intensely focused on their goal of establishing a strong presence on the international stage. Experienced players like Gukirewa, known for their determination, are vital to the team’s hopes for qualification as well as success in the region. Under the direction of interim coach Jioweli Vakamoce, Gukirewa views this training camp as an essential opportunity to battle for her position in the starting lineup and make notable contributions to Fiji’s netball ambitions this year. The team’s promising start to their preparations reflects a positive outlook for their competitive future.