The Vicki Wilson coached- Fijian Baby Pearls Under-21 side have only one objective and that is to defy all odds and win the championship.

The side departed our shores yesterday to make their debut in the inaugural Oceania Netball World Youth Cup qualifiers in Auckland, New Zealand. The competition starts tomorrow.

“Our objective is to win and win as many matches as possible and to qualify to the Under-21 World Cup in Botswana in July 2017,” Wilson said.

“This is the first time to have the U21 qualifier and the first time for the players to taste international competition prior to the world championship.”

She thanked the support given to the team.

“It is great to have that support and I’m very pleased with the preparation we had. We trained daily and the girls are in better shape and all thanks to our strengthening coach Henry (Elder). Their speed has increased and also their fitness level which was something they really needed to work on.

“The work we have been doing on court has been very expansive as we have been trying to get good length in our games. I’m pleased with all the girls so looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Wilson added that there is a high expectation for the team to qualify but it is all boils down to the performance on the court.

“It will be tough but I have confidence in the team. I expect other teams to be very fierce competitors and they will tend to use high balls a lot into their goal but we can counter that with our strength at the defensive end.”

The side will be banking on likes of experienced Episake Kahatoka, Sereana Marani and Verenaisi Sawana.

“All these players are very good on the aerial balls if teams play that way we can certainly counter it,” she said.

In their first two matches the Baby Pearls face Tonga and Samoa who have brought in overseas based- players to boost their chances of qualifying.

Edited by Leone

Cabenatabua

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