Come Prepared Overseas Netters Told

Overseas netters who are interested to play for the Fijian Pearls at the Oceania Netball World Cup qualifiers should be match-ready. These were comments from the head coach, Unaisi Rokoura.

The Pearls are counting down to the qualifiers which will be held at the Vodafone Arena, Suva, on July 16-23. About five overseas players have showed interest to join the squad, however, Rokoura said some of the Under-21 players were impressive as well during its training match against Singapore last week.

“We have five overseas players who have put their hands up, but at the end of the day it’s getting them here and seeing what they can offer and add to the value when we get to the qualifier,” she said.

The Pearls won all its three training matches against Singapore but lost to the Fiji men’s side, 60-38, in its last game.

“It’s all in for us. We will make sure to fine tune every aspect of our game that we have identified in these last four matches.

“That was what the training matches was all about, for us to get this girls into an environment and also give them the opportunity to play after the PacificAus Sports series,” Rokoura added.

“Now we are finalising our final road for the qualifiers, and it is so important they are playing quality matches. We are thankful to Singapore, for choosing Fiji and of course the Fiji men’s team, this is the buildup that we are looking for.”

The extended squad held its first training camp this weekend.

“We need to get together to make sure we create the team culture and the team bonding that we need in the qualifiers in July.”

The five countries participating in the World Cup qualifiers are Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Island and Papua New Guinea.

Five overseas netters interested to join the Pearls for the qualifier.