FIJI Pearls extended squad member Elenoa Gukirewa is making a strong push for a starting spot as the national netball team begins its 2026 campaign with a spirited first camp at Vodafone Arena last Saturday.
The Grasshoppers defender, who operates at goal defence and goalkeeper, has been playing netball since her school days at St. Joseph and is no stranger to high-level competition.
But with a fresh crop of talent emerging, Gukirewa knows the battle for selection is fiercer than ever.
“It’s tough because there are so many promising players coming through,” she admitted.
“My main goal this year is to get fit and secure my place in the team for the upcoming qualifiers.”
Last weekend’s camp provided the perfect platform for Gukirewa and her teammates to sharpen their skills and test their fitness after the offseason.
The session featured fitness assessments and match simulations, with both the women’s and men’s squads training together — a clear sign of Netball Fiji’s holistic approach to preparation.
“It felt great to be back on the court, pushing myself alongside my friends and teammates,” Gukirewa said.
“We’re focused on building our fitness and cohesion ahead of what promises to be a challenging season.”
With the World Cup qualifiers looming, the stakes could not be higher.
The Fiji Pearls are determined to secure their spot on the global stage, and players like Gukirewa are ready to step up and stake their claim.
As the team continues its preparations under interim coach Jioweli Vakamoce, Gukirewa’s determination and experience could be key assets in the Pearls’ quest for qualification and regional dominance.
The national netball teams first training camp was just the beginning — for Gukirewa, it’s a vital step towards earning her place in the starting lineup and making a significant impact for Fiji on the netball court this year.
