Elenoa Gukirewa, a member of the extended squad for the Fiji Pearls, is determined to secure a starting position as the national netball team embarks on its 2026 campaign. Last Saturday marked the beginning of their preparations with an energized training camp at Vodafone Arena.
A seasoned player who has competed since her school days at St. Joseph, Gukirewa plays as a goal defender and goalkeeper. However, with a new wave of talent emerging, she recognizes that the competition for selection is more intense than ever. “It’s tough because there are so many promising players coming through,” she stated. Gukirewa aims to focus on her fitness and earn her place for the upcoming qualifiers.
The recent camp was instrumental for Gukirewa and her teammates, allowing them to enhance their skills and evaluate their fitness levels following the offseason. The session included various fitness assessments and match simulations, with both the men’s and women’s squads training together to foster a cohesive approach to preparation. Gukirewa expressed her excitement about returning to the court, stating, “It felt great to be back on the court, pushing myself alongside my friends and teammates.”
With World Cup qualifiers approaching, the Fiji Pearls are laser-focused on securing their position on the global stage. Players like Gukirewa, with their determination and experience, are essential to the team’s aspirations for qualification and regional success. Under the guidance of interim coach Jioweli Vakamoce, Gukirewa sees this initial training camp as a crucial opportunity to fight for her place in the starting lineup and contribute significantly to Fiji’s netball journey this year. The team’s promising preparations underscore a hopeful outlook for their competitive future.