Scrimmaging against men, visiting villages and clocking intense sessions, the Fiji Baby Pearls netball team are leaving no stone unturned as they chase World Youth Cup 2025 glory in Gibraltar this September.
In an interview with this newspaper, team manager Lusiana Rakavono said the team resumed training on May 13 after returning from their tour to Townsville and Brisbane.
This week marks their fifth week of preparation ahead of the Netball World Youth Cup.
“We resumed training on the 13th of May, and this week marks our 5th week back,” said Rakavono.
“We are intensifying preparations ahead of the training camp and the squad selection, which will take place during the first and second weeks of July.”
Currently, 15 local players are part of the squad training in Fiji.
One of the new strategies the team is using is scrimmaging with the men’s netball team to sharpen their speed, strength and decision-making under pressure.
“We believe this will elevate their game and provide valuable experience. This innovative approach is designed to prepare them for elite competition,” Rakavono said.
Last week, the team also visited the Namosi Netball Association’s opening day, a grassroots outreach that included coaching local teams and connecting with young players.
Some members participated in a community outreach event during the opening of the competition and led some activations and warm-up sessions with the teams
“This immersion in grassroots netball allowed the players to appreciate the foundational level of the sport and give back by coaching local teams and sharing their knowledge,” she said.
All players who toured Australia are now back in Fiji, with the last group returning on May 7.
As the pressure of selection builds, Rakavono has one consistent message for her players:
“Be consistent and focused on their goals, what has kept us together is our bond, faith and trusting God to give us the strength and courage we need.”
The Baby Pearls will face South Africa, Malawi, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago in Pool D of the World Youth Cup from September 19–28.
