Teenager Esera Faith earns surprise Fiji Pearls call-up

At just 16, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School (MGM) student Esera Esther Faith admits she never expected to earn a place in the Crest Fiji Pearls squad for the inaugural Spirit Series in Australia.

The tournament got underway yesterday and features Australia’s First Nations team, the Black Swans, the Fiji Pearls, Papua New Guinea and Singapore.

The Narewa, Nadi native said she was overwhelmed when she learned she had made the national squad after a highly competitive selection process.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” she said.

“The trials were tough and there were a lot of girls. When I found out I had been selected, I cried because I never expected it.”

Faith said the Fiji Pearls player Matila Vocea has always been one of her biggest inspirations.

The teenager admitted the step-up to the national team had been challenging, particularly training alongside more experienced players.

“It’s been really tough training with older players.

“There’s a lot to learn because I’ve never trained in a national team environment before,” she said.

Faith credited her parents and aunt for supporting her throughout her journey.

“My parents and my aunt have always supported me. They keep telling me not to give up and to keep chasing my dream,” she said.

Tawake out, Waqaira in

Meanwhile, Pearls defender Kalesi Tawake has been replaced by non-travelling reserve Eseta Waqaira.

Tawake suffered an injury and did not travel with the team to Sydney. Netball Fiji confirmed this is in a press statement.

Waqaira joins her older sister Nanise on the Pearls team.

“We extend our sincere appreciation for Kalesi for her continued hardwork, commitment and dedication to the Fiji Pearls throughout the team’s preparations,” the Netball Fiji statement said.

“While we are disappointed she is unable to take the court, her health and recovery remain our priority.

“We wish her a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back in the blue dress soon.

“At the same time we congratulate Eseta on joining the travelling team.

We are confident she will embrace this opportunity and wish her and the Fiji Pearls team every success throughout the Spirit Series,” the statement added.