Rokoura demands players to bring A game

Members of the Fiji Pearls training squad must bring their A game if they wish to be selected for the Netball World Cup (NWC) in Cape Town, South Africa.

To bring one’s A-game means to do one’s best, to perform at the highest level that is possible for that person.

Fiji Pearls head coach Unaisi Rokoura made the statement following their one-week training camp in Naitasiri over the weekend. Rokoura regarding the inclusion of skills coach Yvette McCausland

Durie in last week’s camp said the top Kiwi coach’s presence was a boost to the squad.

Rokoura admitted there has been favourable feedback from Fijians living overseas keen on making it to the Fiji Pearls side.

Of the eight expression of interest from players in Australia, only five made it to the camp last weekend while those from New Zealand and the United Kingdom are expected to fly in for this month’s training camp.

The five from Australia are Solei Toganivalu, Moana Naquto, Naviniya Sivo, Nichole Kamotu and Shaid Sasalu.

“These players paid their way to be here, to try out for the World Cup and this is encouraging,” Rokoura said.

“They play for the premier grade in Victoria, Melbourne and New South Wales. They have brought something different into the squad. “They have blended in well and their progress has been great. “Having coach Yvette imparting and sharing information, skills and expertise are important in preparation for the World Cup; in terms of fitness level, quality, intensity and expectations at the World Cup.

“Individual players have to bring their A game every day which means it starts at training.”

Few more international players are expected to join this month’s training camp before Rokoura announces her 26-member squad for Cape Town.

“February camp is going to be very interesting. The process is that at the end of this selection camp we will identify those who will progress forward and we will work with them now until February 22 when we are joined by the rest of the girls.

“We appreciate Netball New Zealand and Netball Fiji for this programme and initiative to interact and exchange ideas. Yvette has brought in her wealth of experience. “We have noted that these women (players) should be well conditioned.”

Rokoura added that the Fiji A squad members were invited to the training camp with five members from the Under-18 academy as training partners.

“We want them to be exposed for this high performance environment with high performance coaches,” she said.

“After the first selection, we will look at the Possibles; we will eliminate some out of the 26. After the February camp we will be able to select about 26 players for the squad.”