Silver Ferns, Jamaica, Malawi For Fijian Pearls
The Fijian Pearls will play friendly matches against New Zealand, Jamaica and Malawi in March as a build up to the Commonwealth Games in April.
Fiji Netball president Wainikiti Bogirdau claimed the run of fixtures would prove crucial as Fiji seek to develop their netball team in the build-up to the World Cup next year. Twenty-seven players have been named in the extended squad for the Commonwealth Games and Bogidrau says, the organisation is set to invest around $180,000 to boost their team’s efforts. The money will also be used to help the team’s build-up towards the 2019 World Cup “Along with matches to be played at the Commonwealth Games, all these international games are a crucial build-up for the Netball World Cup 2019 campaign,” Bogidrau told Inside Games.
“It is inclusive of qualifying our team for this premier event.
“The qualifiers will be held in Auckland after the Commonwealth Games.”
Fiji are one of 12 teams set to compete in netball competition at Gold Coast 2018 as they are to face hosts Australia, Barbados, Jamaica, South Africa and Northern Ireland in Pool A.
England, New Zealand, Malawi, Scotland, Wales and Uganda will compete in Pool B. The 27 players in the squad for the Commonwealth Games are: Leehava Saverio, Nanise Waqaira, Laisani Waqa, Lusiani Rokoura, Alisi Wainidroa, Merelita Radiniceva, Asilika Sevutia, Rokalesi Tawake, Alesi Waqa, Nina Cirikisuva, Laisani Waqanisau, Aliti Toribau, Elenoa Gukirewa, Verenaisi Sawana, Alanieta Waqanibete, Alisi Naqiri, Raijieli Daveua, Maliana Rusivakula, Unaisi Kubunameca, Taraima Mitchell, Una Rusivakula, Anaseini Rusivakula, Annabella Sorby, Episake Gaunavinaka, Vakaoca Bolakoro, Kelera Nawai.
Officials: Vicki Wilson, John Fitzgerald, Anthony Bedford, Unaisi Rokoura