The New Zealand men’s volleyball team anticipates tougher competition from Fiji in the Oceania World Championships qualifiers at the Vodafone Arena this week.

Coach Colin Redpath said yesterday the aim was to book a spot in the World Championship next year.

“We are anticipating some tough competition especially from Fiji,”Redpath said.

“We are looking forward to play in an environment which is a little bit different.”

Bolstering the New Zealand side is captain Ben Glue who is one of the experienced players and has donned the national jumper since 2007.

Known to his teammates as ‘Sticky’, he is a teacher by profession and is ready to deliver.

Also injecting experience into the New Zealand’s campaign would be Brad Takai and Simon Petersen who have been part of the national team since 2005.

“There are four players in our side who are playing in their first tournament. These players are from Dunedin, Christchurch and Auckland.”

Fijian women qualify

The Fijian women volleyball team have qualified into round two of the World Championship qualifiers next year.

The confirmation was made by Oceania Volleyball commissioner James Summers yesterday

This was after the New Zealand women team failed to turn up for the Oceania World Championship qualifiers which starts in Suva today.

“Fiji will qualify to the next phase in Asia next year,”Summers said.

“With the absence of the New Zealand women’s team, Fiji will be too strong for Cook Islands and Solomon Islands.”

New Zealand men’s coach Colin Redpath shared the reasoning behind the non participation.

“It’s more a money thing as they are also trying to sort out their own programme.

“There is also the Asian Championship where they might try to get into next year.”

Fiji, New Zealand, Tonga men

In the men’s division Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand will battle for the World Championships spot which starts on Thursday.

“Tonga will be competitive and aggressive, Fiji are unknown in Oceania. With New Zealand involvement it will be interesting to see how Fiji will fare out.”

FIVB representatives

Summers said representatives from the governing body FIVB will be in Suva on Saturday in time for the World Championship qualifiers and  Oceania Championship final.

“They will be looking at what Fiji can offer as venue for international and club competitions,”Summers said.

“I think this is something positive that we are doing in Oceania and Fiji in particular.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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