Baby Pearls to face Pacific’s best
The Fijian Under-21 netball side are preparing well for the Pacific Netball Series, which starts in Suva on January 11. Fiji Netball president, Wainikiti Bogidrau said, yesterday the girls have been preparing well under the guidance of national coach Vicki Wilson and her assistant. “The girls have continued with their preparation throughout the festive season,” she told SUNsports. “The Baby Pearls will be facing some of the top teams like New Zealand and Australia. “New Zealand and Australia are currently the top two youth teams in the world as per the 2013 World Youth National Championship standing. “Like the rest of the teams competing, they will use this tournament as a preparatory run for the WYNC in Botswana in July. “Both teams have with them elite players some of whom have played for their national teams, some are real contenders to be future Silver Ferns and Diamonds players. “We believe that they are here to test the environment and get a feel of competition that they should expect in Botswana. “For the Baby Pearls, our aim for this tournament is to provide them the exposure and experience to play against the tops teams in the world and to take their learnings and use it to better their performance in Botswana.” Bogidrau said the players have sacrificed their festive season to concentrate on their training. “The girls have added on their own time; two extra training sessions in addition to the regular sessions which the girls themselves are very pleased with. “They’ve been working very hard and some girl’s efforts are commendable. “We expect all of them to showcase their skills and talents as they continue to fight for the final 12 spots in the Baby Pearls team to represent Fiji in Botswana,’ she said.