The Fijian Pearls were told to step up at Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia in next month.

The challenge was made by President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau when the team presented the itatau (traditional farewell) at Government House yesterday.

“We’ve taken a step further in our preparation, which is not the only thing,” he said.

“The first thing we have to do is to realise we’ve to take that step in order to use the talent available and there is talent in this group.

“Your strengths are well known to the teams that you are going to play and you know who they are.

“They don’t take anything for granted, we don’t take anything for granted, you don’t take those below you in ranking for granted.

“What we do we look up to the top teams that one day we will topple them and that is our aim.

“Nothing less than that and that is why you are all here. But from the experience that you’ve had over the years that time will come.

“We all know what Fijian teams have done in recent years. We have a top international coach and the Vodafone Fijian 7s team have done it, and you can as well.

“What the ceremony portrays is that you’ve come to tell the people of Fiji through me that you are ready for the task.

“You go with all the blessing of the people of Fiji. And we wish you well, we know that you are going to perform to the best of your ability and we will look forward to the reports of your achievements in Australia.

“Make Fiji proud when you are there,” he added.

Fiji is in Pool D alongside Wales, Uganda, and Zambia.

Meanwhile, the side departs for Australia at 8am on Monday.

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