The progress of upcoming netball players of Ema Mualuvu and Matila Vocea had impressed former Fijian Pearls head coach Jenny Brazel.

The duo were part of the Brazel coached PacificAus Sports team that finished fourth during the recent Born to Shine Series.

With support from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mualevu and Vocea were joined by seven Queensland-based Pasifika athletes and four training partners from the Queensland Sapphires as they took part in the series.

Matches were played over six days on the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Toowoomba, giving the Fijians a chance to build on their experience within Australia’s high-performance environment.

With little time to prepare, PacificAus Sports head coach Brazel felt the side gave it all they had.

“It was all about bringing the girls together. We were taking the learnings from each game and worked on being better each game, building connections and enjoying the opportunity to test ourselves against the much more experienced teams,” Brazel told Netball Australia.

“It was wonderful to see how much the girls enjoyed the opportunity, to see how they embraced each other.”

“The homegrown Queensland girls took the opportunity to learn more about Ema and Matila, about their culture and being so inclusive.”

“We were also able to introduce both girls to all the great rituals and fun of being in a team in Australia.”

Having worked with Mualuvu and Vocea as part of the Fijian team, the former Fijian Pearls head coach was thrilled to see them step out of their comfort zone and move to Australia to take part in the athlete immersion programme.

“I have seen both the girls enjoy life both on and off the court. They have a much greater understanding of what is required of an athlete to be successful in a high-performance program,” she said.

“They have both learnt about nutrition, more about the importance of fitness – with greater preparation around prehab and recovery.”

Whilst on the road to Toowoomba, Mualuvu and Vocea stopped in at Western Districts Netball Association for Netball Queensland’s 2021 Connecting Through Sports Gala Day with Milperra State School and Islamic College of Brisbane.

Brazel was delighted to see the Fijian pair taking advantage of the experience, both on and off the court.

“Off the court they have increased their confidence by soaking up the Australia culture, connecting with a wide cross section of people and engaging in many different experiences,” Brazel said.

Search On For Pearls Head Coach
Meanwhile, the new Fijian Pearls coach is expected to be announced by the end of the year.

The post was advertised on September 24 after Brazel resigned citing personal reasons.

Netball Fiji Chief Executive Officer, Vivian Koster said they are looking at a highly qualified coach to take up the role.

“Applications close on Friday October 15,” she said.

“Some of the key criteria are; to have coached at International level, have demonstrated experience working with elite athletes and coaches, including devising and implementing successful programmes.”

“As well as a thorough knowledge and understanding of the high performance requirements for athletes to aspire to and succeed at the highest international level.”

“To complement experience, the coach will also need to possess proven leadership and decision making skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and sound organisational and planning skills.”

“We want our coach in place before the end of the year,” Koster said.

Brazel was in the role for nine months before she returned to Australia.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj