U21 Netball Coach to Select Core Squad

Netball Fiji Under-21 head coach Simone Taraivosa Nalatu’s next assignment is to select her core squad.

The former Pearls player had her first training session with the 60-member training squad at the Fiji National University gym in Nasinu, last Saturday.

Nalatu said she was honoured to return to coach the U21 side and was impressed with the young players.

“I have been really excited to be back here over the couple of days, get my eyes on the girls and have the ability to work with them,” she said.

“The turnout has been fantastic and they have been working really hard. We had a session last night and had some specialist sessions today (last Saturday).

“I’m really impressed with their work rate, they have got great skills– it’s about refining that skill and continuing to build on that over the coming months now.

Netball Fiji Under-21 head coach Simone Nalatu (left) during the team’s training at Fiji National University Nasinu Campus on February 24, 2024. Photo: Sereana Salalo

“They have really been enthusiastic and willing to give new things to go and that’s really a great sign of athletes.”

Nalatu added that those who would not make the core squad would also have other opportunities in the sport.

“We have to make some decisions about what’s going to make the core group going forward particularly this year and then setting up the company programme to accompany that,” Nalatu said.

“We don’t have a definite number, a number around 25-30 is a manageable number, at least in the first instance.”

While it was Nalatu’s dream to coach a national side, this was achieved earlier than expected.

“Getting the opportunity to play for Fiji was incredible, this is a privilege now to coach the Under-21; it’s something that I have as a goal but probably did not know that I would achieve so early in my coaching career, but I’m super excited and grateful,” she added.

Nalatu hails from Dakuni in Beqa with maternal links to Nawaisomo (in Beqa).

Story by: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj