Netball Fiji has named its teams for the upcoming Netball World Youth Cup Oceania Qualifiers in the Cook Islands and the Aotearoa Maori Netball International Secondary School (AMNISS) Tour to Fiji.
The Fiji 21&U squad, fresh off their participation in the Rising Stars tournament against powerhouses like New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore, will participate in the Oceania Qualifiers, scheduled from 16-21 September. The team includes standout players Talei Bogidua, Nina Nakula, and Elina Drikibau, among others. They will be joined by training partners Seini Naulia, Lebha Cocker, Kristelle Sorovaki, and Ann Dee Matthias.
In preparation for the AMNISS Tour to Fiji from 28 September to 1 October, Fiji has assembled two squads: the Fiji Black Team for players aged 19-21, and the Fiji Blue Team for the 18&U category. The Black Team will feature athletes like Seini Naulia and Salote Vakamelei, while the Blue Team includes promising talents such as Lebah Cocker and Rhys Williams.
About the upcoming tournaments, Netball Fiji CEO Vivian Koster said: “We are looking forward to the NWYC Oceania Qualifier. The Rising Stars tournament provided much-needed match play and an opportunity to see all our squad members in action. As a result, we were able to select the best team for the Oceania Qualifiers.”
Koster also highlighted the significance of the AMNISS Tour, noting the opportunity for further match play ahead of the World Youth Cup.
“We are also excited to host the Aotearoa Maori Netball International Secondary School Team whose alumni boasts current members of ANZ Premiership teams and Silver Ferns. The matches will provide another opportunity for 21&U squad members to play matches in preparation for the Netball World Youth Cup in 2025,” she added.
Fiji 21&U Team to the NWYC Oceania Qualifiers:
Talei Bogidua
Nina Nakula
Elina Drikibau
Mereoni Taqiri
Susana Rasaubale
Ateca Smith
Akisi Bolakoro
Nicole Kamotu
Soeli Toganivalu
Yvonne Nalewabau
Varanisese Vula
Shaid Salusalu
Training Partners: Seini Naulia, Lebha Cocker, Kristelle Sorovaki, and Ann Dee Matthias.
Fiji Black Team (19-21) for the AMNISS Tour to Fiji:
Seini Naulia
Kelera Dinawa
Anotolia Nuku
Sere Namosimalua
Siteri Nokelevu
Vutaieli Tokaduadua
Salote Vakamelei
Vilisi Chivalele
Plus 5 players that were identified at the Secondary Schools and Super League competitions.
Fiji Blue Team (18&U) for the AMNISS Tour to Fiji:
Lebah Cocker
Sereana Matayawa
Merewairita Volivoli
Kristelle Sorovaki
Grace Naimawi
Tokasa Tuisovivi
Sainimere Tagicakiverata
Rhys Williams
Alisis Neisulu
Ann Dee Mattahias
Lydia Tavesivesi
Ravaela Koroiravudi
Hannah Matevesi
