Stay committed, says Pearls goal shooter

Crest Fiji Pearls goal shooter Matila Vocea is proving that excelling in two sports is possible as she balances her netball career with her role as a travelling reserve for the Basketball Fiji 3x3 squad.

Speaking to SUNsports after the Netball Fiji and Goodman Fielder sponsorship launch last Friday, the 26-year-old said careful planning had helped her manage the demands of both sports.

“My preparation has been good,” Vocea said.

“I have to be really strict with my training schedule because of fatigue, but other than that I’ve been managing well.”

She said being a travelling reserve for the national 3x3 team has not disrupted her netball preparations.

“As a travelling reserve, we don’t train as often. We’re only called in when needed,” she said.

Vocea believes the two sports complement each other and have helped develop different aspects of her game.

“Playing basketball and netball doesn’t really make a difference because they complement each other well. I can take what I learn in netball and apply it to basketball, and vice versa,” she said.

Vocea said the fast pace of 3x3 basketball had improved her speed and court awareness.

“Three-on-three basketball has improved my speed and vision because it’s such a fast game.

“Those are the qualities I’ve been able to bring into netball,” she said.

She encouraged young netballers and basketball players to pursue their dreams and stay committed.

Vocea plays for the Pearls today in the Spirit Series in Sydney, Australia.

The Pearls face Singapore Vandas at 1pm (Fiji time) followed by Papua New Guinea taking on First Nations Black Swans at 3pm.