The Fiji Baby Pearls have made significant strides at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, earning acclaim for their commendable performance. Guided by head coach Simone Nalatu, the young Fijian team demonstrated tenacity and skill against more seasoned teams, achieving key victories that have highlighted their growing potential on the international netball stage.
Former Fiji Pearls shooter and coach Unaisi Rokoura expressed pride in the Baby Pearls’ achievements, particularly their capability to compete closely with established teams from the Caribbean, like Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. The Baby Pearls secured substantial wins against Trinidad and Tobago (53-40) and Barbados (66-34), although they narrowly lost to Malawi with a close 51-52 scoreline. These results underscore their perseverance and suggest a promising outlook for the team’s future.
The rigorous preparation undertaken by the Baby Pearls laid the groundwork for this success. Their intensive training regimen, which included matches against other international squads as well as Fiji’s Men’s netball team, was pivotal in honing their skills and enhancing on-court communication. This strategic approach has evidently paid off, establishing a foundation for their current achievements and future growth.
Rokoura highlighted that the Baby Pearls’ journey offers a positive vision for netball in Fiji, inspiring young athletes and fostering growth in the sport. Their success not only elevates the profile of Fiji in international netball but also serves as motivation for aspiring netball players across the nation.
The Baby Pearls continue to serve as a beacon of promise, with their commitment and passion expected to propel Fiji to greater heights in future netball competitions. Their impressive campaign at the World Cup is proof of the potential held by these young athletes, instilling hope for sustained development and achievement in Fijian netball.