FIJIAN NETBALL EYES BIGGER, BETTER 2017

Fiji Netball is focused on taking netball to the next level. With highly qualified coach like Vicki Wilson on board the focus is on player development and creating a pathway for coaches. Fiji Netball president, Wainikiti Bogidrau spoke to Fiji Sun’s PAULINI RATULAILAI on what they have achieved this year and their resolutions for 2017.

SUN: We are a few days from welcoming 2017. Looking back what are some of the highlights of 2016?

BOGIDRAU: These are the highlights;

1. a) Reviewing the strategic framework and plans for another four years
2. b) Player Development Program (elite players);

Alesi Waqa – Participating at the Singapore Super League

Maria Lutua, Episake Kahatoka, and Afa Rusivakula – participating in the Versatility Netball Super League.

Maria Lutua being invited to join the Southern Coastal Lightning (Australia Super League team) as a training partner with Geva Mentor, Casey Bassett, and Laura Langman.

Afa Rusivakula being invited to join the Northern Stars for the NZ Netball League Series for 2017

c). Selecting a world class coach of Vicki Wilson

d). Accreditation of more national umpires

e). Qualifying first in Oceania for the World Netball Youth Championship for Botswana

f). Bench officiating (1 official) at the World Youth Netball Championship qualifiers in Auckland (first time for Fiji to send a bench official for an overseas tournament)

g). Increase in participation in the National Championships

h). Introduction of more national tournaments

i).Successful completion of the Netball Super League which specifically focussed player development for our elite athletes

SUN: What were some of the challenges you faced this year?

BOGIDRAU: Challenges were:

a). Weather and affected areas saw some drawbacks for some of our associations

b). Introduction of new rules to affiliated members

c). Non-availability of standard venues

1. d) Volunteerisms- drawing a balance between our volunteer netball work we do for free against other priorities such as work and family.

SUN: Moving into 2017 what are some of the major local competitions you looking at

BOGIDRAU: a) January– International Youth Quad Series, b) May – International Secondary Schools tournament, c) December – Fiji International Netball Festival

SUN: Any New Year’s resolutions for Fiji Netball?

BOGIDRAU: Yes, they are:

a). Work on development pathways in all facets of the sport

b). To finish at the top 8 of the World Youth Netball Championship, in Botswana

c). To build a bigger base of technical officials

d). To service our sponsors better

SUN: With a top coach like Vicki Wilson on board what are some of the things that you will work together on to take netball to the next level?:

BOGIDRAU: Player development is the key. We would also like to kick start with our coaching pathway.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  paulini.ratulailai@fijisun.com.fj