The Fiji women basketball team is adamant of defending their gold medal at the 2019 Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa next month.

The team retained seven of their players from the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.

Back to lead the team is veteran Valerie Nainima who is currently based in New York, USA. Also bolstering the team would be the Whippy sisters Letava (New Zealand) and Kayla(USA), Miliakere Koyamainavure, Tiyana Kainamoli and making her return from the 2011 Pacific Games is Elenoa Matau.

Four players that will be making their debut are Losalini Katia who is based in Denver, US and local based Moana Liebregts, Kalesi Tawake and Estelle Kainamoli.

“We are into our final preparation phase before we head out to Samoa. We know defending our title will be tough against New Caledonia, Tahiti, American Samoa and Guam. But we will be well prepared when it comes to our first game on July 8.

“Our team will be complete with the arrival of overseas based players. We also have the best available talents here in Fiji. We have build up matches planned before we head out to Apia,” Puamau said.

Fiji women won gold in the 2015 Pacific Games after defeating American Samoa 75-61.

Men

Four overseas based players will bolster the men’s team in Apia.

The four are Marcus Whippy, Viliame Waqabaca,Ilaisa Saulaca and brothers Josh and Conrad Fox.

“Conrad, Viliame and Ilaisa have joined the team for training while Josh and Marcus will join the team in Samoa.”

The men’s team settled for silver at the 2015 Pacific Games where they lost to favorites Guam 61-78.

Edited by Osea Bola

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